Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Description

Main constituents: Vitamins C, A, E, K and B group. Minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, unsaturated fatty acids: oleic and linoleic. Proteins, crude fiber, carotenoids, carbohydrates.18 of the 20 essential amino acids, including arginine, lysine, tryptophan and methionine. Phytosterols: β-sitosterol and β-sitostenone. Polyphenols: anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, flavonoids, phenolic acids,Alkaloids in the bark: moringin and moringinine.

Pharmacological action:

• Mainly used as a food and nutritional supplement. Known as “cure-all” tree for its multiple benefits in preventing and treating various diseases: anemia, anxiety, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, diarrhea, joint pain, fever, hypertension, skin infections, intestinal parasitosis, bladder and prostate problems, etc.
• Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, tissue protective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, radioprotective and antihypertensive effects.

Indications / recommendations:

• Recognized as a rich superfood to combat malnutrition.
• Clinical studies show significant reduction of blood glucose and blood lipids. Improves iron deficiency.
• Other studies suggest effects on bone density in menopausal women, viral and bacterial infections, immune response in HIV patients, and more.

Posology / mode of use:

• Food source in many areas. Leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits and roots are edible.
• Leaves: raw, boiled, dried in salads, sauces, stews, juices, bread or soups. Powdered as a food supplement.
• Flowers: fresh, raw or boiled.
• Fruits: fresh and boiled. Unripe roasted seeds.
• Roots: dried as condiment, fresh as vegetables. 
• Seed oil: “Ben’s oil” as food lubricant and olive oil substitute.

Doses recommended in clinical studies:

• Dyslipemia: 5-8 g/day of leaf powder.
• Hyperglycemia: 8-10 g/day of leaf powder.

Contraindications: 

• Do not use in people with hypoglycemia.
• Do not take at night if suffering from insomnia.