Moringa Oleifera Medicinal Uses and Properties

An Overview of Modern Medical Benefits

"Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food"
~ Hippocrates 400 BC

Moringa oleifera has been used for centuries in traditional Indian Ayurvedic practices, but it has only recently come to the attention of the medical and pharmaceutical establishment. The chemical compounds present in the leaves, pods and other parts of the moringa plant can produce beneficial pharmacological effects and serve as treatments for a variety of conditions and diseases. Phytochemical studies have identified substances present in various parts of the plant that have proven effective against hypertension and high cholesterol, while its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties are already well known to practitioners of both traditional and modern medicine. The functioning of nearly every physical system within the body can be enhanced or improved in some way by the phytochemicals present within the plant.

Nutritional value

The amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals present in the moringa plant are not strictly pharmaceutical medicine, but they can help to prevent diseases that are caused by malnutrition or lack of certain vitamins in the daily diet. The U.S. National Institute of Health has performed extensive research on the outstanding nutrition and health benefits derived from this useful and hardy plant.

Antioxidant protection

Antioxidants including Vitamin C and beta carotene can help reduce the effects of aging in many individuals and may provide protection against certain forms of cancer. The natural medicine compounds present in the leaves of the moringa plant have been proven to reduce the incidence of tumors in laboratory animals. Niaziminin is a thiocarbamate found in the leaves of the moringa plant that inhibits the negative tumor-causing effects of the Epstein-Barr virus and reduces the chance of cancerous growths in patients suffering from the disease.

Digestive system

The leaves of the plant contain an ethanol derivative that can offer relief to individuals suffering from gastrointestinal disorders and can protect against ulcers when ingested. Additionally, complex chemical compounds present in the leaves can reduce the severity of diarrhea and help prevent the consequent dehydration that can otherwise result. This is especially important in younger children who may suffer serious negative effects from prolonged dehydration due to persistent diarrhea, particularly in areas without access to modern medicine.

Liver function

Found in the leaves and flowers of the plant, the chemical compound quercetin has been shown to provide significant benefits for tuberculosis patients. A number of medical studies have shown that liquid extracts from the leaves of the plant can help to regulate the function of the thyroid when taken regularly; this can prevent or reduce the effects of hyperthyroidism in some patients.

Cardiovascular benefits

Moringa leaf extracts contain powerful diuretic medicine that can reduce high blood pressure; these diuretic effects are thought to be produced by thiocarbamate glycosides naturally produced and found throughout the plant. In laboratory testing, the fruit of the plant was shown to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood and to help the body flush these harmful substances more quickly and easily.

Blood sugar levels

A study published in Phytotherapy Research in 1997 showed that the aqueous extract of moringa leaves could significantly reduce the blood sugar levels experienced by rabbits in the laboratory environment. These results may have major implications for treatment of certain forms of diabetes and may offer hope to those experiencing severe diabetic symptoms on a daily basis.

Other uses

Some studies suggest that medicine developed from the leaves and roots of the plant may provide some protection against the herpes simplex virus. The antibiotic, antifungal and antimicrobial properties of the plant are already well known to modern medicine and produce results comparable to pharmaceutical grade antibiotics.

Conclusions

The moringa plant offers a wide range of proven health and medical benefits now recognized by practitioners of modern medicine. Potential pharmaceutical uses include

Cardiovascular health
Control of high blood pressure
Relief from gastrointestinal distress, ulcers and persistent diarrhea
Lower blood sugar levels
Antibiotic properties
Antimicrobial action
Antifungal properties
Improved liver function
Enhanced overall health and nutrition

By incorporating moringa supplements into daily dietary choices, individuals can protect their health and improve their overall physical condition naturally and effectively.