The Benefits of Moringa

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What is Moringa?

Moringa, a plant native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, is often called the “drumstick tree.” Traditionally, it has been used for its antiseptic and astringent properties, applied directly to the skin to treat various conditions. However, it’s also earned the nickname “miracle tree,” which raises the question: does it truly deserve that title?

With so much conflicting information, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. In this article, we’ll explore the scientifically backed health benefits of Moringa, based on human clinical studies, so you can understand what this plant can really offer.

Clinical benefits

Diabetes

Many people claim that Moringa helps manage diabetes, but what does the research actually show? Surprisingly, most human studies reveal that Moringa, when taken alone, has little to no impact on blood sugar levels.

In one small study with type 2 diabetes patients, participants took 8 grams of Moringa leaf powder daily for 4 weeks. The results? No improvement in blood sugar compared to those who took a placebo. Even when the dose was increased to 60 grams per day, there were still no significant changes.

Interestingly, some studies that show positive outcomes combined Moringa with other treatments. In one example, researchers paired 8 grams of Moringa with 6 grams of neem, another traditional remedy, and noticed slight improvements in blood glucose. In another study, 20 grams of Moringa, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, led to small improvements in blood sugar control.

However, since these studies used Moringa alongside other treatments, and the trials that tested Moringa by itself showed no real benefits, it’s safe to conclude that Moringa alone is unlikely to have a significant effect on blood sugar levels or HbA1C in people with diabetes.

High cholesterol

Moringa is often marketed as a natural remedy for lowering cholesterol, but human studies show mixed results.

In a small clinical trial, patients with high cholesterol took 2 grams of Moringa powder along with atorvastatin, a common statin medication, for 45 days. While there was a slight improvement in lipid levels compared to taking the statin alone, the effect was minimal.

When Moringa was tested on its own, using a daily dose of 4.7 grams, it had only a small effect on lowering total cholesterol. Other lipid levels remained unchanged. Even at higher doses, such as 60 grams per day, Moringa showed only minor improvements in triglyceride levels.

In summary, the research suggests that Moringa may slightly help with cholesterol when combined with statins, but by itself, it likely has little to no significant impact on overall cholesterol or lipid levels.

Obesity

Moringa is often praised for its weight loss benefits, but clinical studies don’t really support this claim. In one small trial, a product containing Moringa leaf extract was tested against a placebo. Interestingly, the placebo group lost slightly more weight than those taking the Moringa product. Since this study used a combination product, it’s hard to say if Moringa itself contributed to the slight weight gain observed. Overall, Moringa hasn’t shown any clear evidence of promoting weight loss in humans.

Asthma

There’s been some interest in whether Moringa can help with asthma. A small study involving asthma patients suggested that taking 3 grams of powdered Moringa seed daily for 3 weeks may reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. However, it’s worth noting that this study didn’t include a placebo group, making it difficult to fully trust the results. Also, unlike most other studies that use Moringa leaf powder, this one focused on Moringa seed powder.

Menopause

Moringa has also been researched for its effects on menopause symptoms. In a small clinical trial, postmenopausal women took 7 grams of powdered Moringa leaves daily for 3 months. The study found slight improvements in common symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances. However, since Moringa was combined with amaranth in this study, it’s unclear if Moringa alone was responsible for the benefits.

Lactation

Moringa has been studied for its potential to improve lactation in breastfeeding women. A meta-analysis of several small clinical trials found that Moringa leaf can help increase breast milk production. Despite the increase in milk supply, there wasn’t a corresponding improvement in the weight or length of the infants being breastfed. It’s important to note that these studies used specific Moringa extracts, like Natalac and Pro-Lacta, rather than raw Moringa leaf, which is more commonly used in other research.

Summary of Benefits

With conflicting clinical data, you may wonder if Moringa offers any proven health benefits. Research shows that Moringa has the most evidence for two areas: lowering cholesterol and improving milk production in breastfeeding mothers. However, even in these cases, the effects are quite small and may not have much practical impact. Moringa’s effect on cholesterol is minimal, and while it might boost milk supply, it doesn’t seem to significantly affect infant growth. Other studies suggest that Moringa has little to no effect on blood sugar or weight loss, and its benefits for asthma and menopause are not strong enough to make firm conclusions.

Nutritional Benefits of Moringa

It’s better to think of Moringa as a nutrient-packed food rather than a herbal medicine. Moringa leaves are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which stay intact even when dried. This makes it a great source of nutrition, particularly in areas where malnutrition is common. One small study found that adding dried Moringa leaf powder to meals helped malnourished children gain more weight.

While Moringa leaves are the most commonly used part, other parts of the plant, like the seeds and seed oil, are also edible and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. In fact, about 76% of the fat in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid, the same heart-healthy fat found in olive oil.

Moringa is a highly nutritious plant, similar to superfoods like blueberries or oatmeal. Just as you wouldn’t expect a single blueberry or a pinch of oatmeal to change your health, you won’t see much from a tiny Moringa pill. To really benefit, you need to consume a meaningful amount—2 to 20 grams per day, which is about a teaspoon to two tablespoons of Moringa leaf powder.

This explains why most studies use several grams of Moringa daily. Pills containing only tiny amounts of Moringa are unlikely to provide any real benefit. When it comes to boosting milk production, it’s the standardized Moringa extract pills like Natalac and Pro-Lacta that have been shown to be effective—not the generic Moringa leaf supplements that are more commonly available.

Safety

When it comes to safety, Moringa leaves and seeds are generally safe to use. However, you should avoid the Moringa root and root bark. Thankfully, these parts are rare in North America. The root contains spirochin, a potentially harmful alkaloid, while the root bark has stimulant alkaloids similar to ephedrine. Although spirochin hasn’t been tested in humans, animal studies suggest it can cause nerve paralysis. Additionally, Moringa root and root bark are unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided.

Dr. Brian’s Review

In my opinion, Moringa works best as a nutritious food rather than a remedy for its supposed medicinal benefits, which lack strong evidence. To get the most out of Moringa’s nutrients, I recommend using it like a greens or protein powder by adding a scoop to your smoothies. Nutritionally, Moringa leaf is comparable to leafy greens like kale or spinach, and it offers similar benefits to many greens powders on the market. However, Moringa leaf powder is usually more affordable. If you don’t mind its earthy, slightly bitter, grassy taste, it can be a great, cost-effective alternative to commercial greens powders.

Top supplement choices

• Moringa – 1 to 3 tsp / day

Learn more about

• Best Supplements for Diabetes
• 6 Things To Look For On Supplements
• Supplement reviews

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