Review of the medicinal uses and health benefits of Moringa oleifera

The moringa tree (Moringa oleifera) is native to northern India, Pakistan, and Nepal. In a review published in Food Science and Human Wellness, researchers from India collected relevant studies on the tree to provide an overview of its nutritional values, medicinal properties, cultivation, and commercial use.

• Moringa grows in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is also known as the drumstick tree or horseradish tree.
• In terms of cultivation, the moringa tree can survive both extreme drought and frost and can grow easily in any soil conditions.
• Every part of the tree is reported to have either commercial or nutritional value.
• The leaves contain vitamins, minerals, and other phytochemicals. Its leaf extracts are used to boost breast milk production in lactating mothers and treat malnutrition.
• Moringa leaves also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties.
• The seeds of M. oleifera can be used to clarify turbid water.

The researchers concluded that further studies are needed to better understand moringa’s anti-diabetes and anti-cancer properties.

Read the full study at this link.

FoodScience.news has more stories on moringa’s other health benefits.

Journal Reference:

Gopalakrishnan L, Doriya K, Kumar DS. MORINGA OLEIFERA: A REVIEW ON NUTRITIVE IMPORTANCE AND ITS MEDICINAL APPLICATION. Food Science and Human Wellness. June 2016;5(2):49–56. DOI: 10.1016/j.fshw.2016.04.001