Moringa is a tropical tree that contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
In the United States, the FDA does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health
1.
Blood Sugar
The majority of research into the effects of moringa on diabetes control has been in animals.
These types of studies are insufficient to make any conclusions about moringa’s use in humans with diabetes.
Moringa comes from theMoringa oleiferatree in India.
In oil form, it is used topically for hair and skincare.
Wound Healing
One study found that oil extracted from moringa seeds could help wounds heal faster.
The researchers found that the oil helped increase collagen in the wounds of mice with diabetes and those without.
The researchers noted that moringa is high in oleic acid, which they also used separately in the study.
They found that both the moringa oil and the oleic acid were helpful for wound healing.
Since this was ananimal study, it is not known whether these effects would translate to humans.
Edema
The oil from moringa seeds may help reduce fluid accumulation, known asedema.
The researchers noted that further studies would be needed to learn what compounds cause the anti-inflammatory effect.
Studies in humans would also be needed before moringa oil could be recommended for arthritis.
It may also fight oxidative stress.
Studies in humans also found that moringa may help lower blood pressure.
Heart Health
A number of studies have looked into moringa’s effect onheart health.
Most of these studies have been done in animals.
Eye Damage
Animal studies suggest that the extract of moringa leaves may help preventcataracts.
There is also some evidence from animal studies that suggests moringa may help prevent diabetes-related damage to the eyes.
Gut Health
Some of the compounds found in moringa leaves have been shown to improve gastrointestinal health.
It may also increase the bioactivity of certain antibiotics.
Liver Health
Laboratory studies suggest that moringa seed extract may help prevent the deposit of fat in liver cells.
Again, however, it’s worth noting that animal studies don’t always translate well to human beings.
Neuroprotection
Moringa has been researched for its impact on the central nervous system, including neuropathic pain.
They found that the cream helped relieve pain and improve function.
It may also reduce inflammation, thus slowing the progression of kidney disease.
Asthma
Some studies in humans have found that moringa seed may help reduce the severity ofasthma attacks.
Subjects in one study were given 3 grams of finely powdered moringa seed each day for three weeks.
This was just one study, however.
Larger studies need to be completed before researchers will know if moringa can help people with asthma.
Mental Health
There has been limited research into moringa’s ability to treat depression.
Another study in mice found that moringa extract could help reduce anxiety in mice.
Cancer
A number of studies have found that moringa extract may have anticancer properties.
Most of these studies have either been laboratory studies in cells or in animals.
Skin Health
The oil from the seed of the moringa tree is thought to have antioxidant activity.
Anemia
Some studies have found that supplementation with an extract of moringa leaves could help treat anemia.
It is not recommended to have more than 70 grams per day.
Talk to your healthcare provider and pharmacist before taking any dietary or herbal supplements.
Who Should Not Take Moringa?
Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Moringa has been used as a galactagogue (something that increases milk supply) in Asia.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent a disease.
There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard or appropriate dose of moringa at this time.
More research is needed on dosages for specific health needs and populations.
Interactions
More research is needed on the interactions between moringa, medications, and herbal supplements.
However, its too soon to recommend moringa for certain health-related purposes.
As a supplement, it is often found in capsule, powder, and extract forms.
The dried pods and seeds are also available.
2019;54:9-16. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.10.023
Alia F, Putri M, Anggraeni N, Syamsunarno MRAA.The potency ofMoringa oleiferaLam.
as protective agent in cardiac damage and vascular dysfunction.Front Pharmacol.
2018;7(1):1-6.
2020;66(4):73-77.
Wu YY, Xu YM, Lau ATY.Anti-cancer and medicinal potentials of moringa isothiocyanate.Molecules.
2018;3(3):129-35.
2017;9(1):S79.
Toxicol.2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1002/ptr.5325
LactMed.Moringa.
