We have already looked at the nutritional benefits of the moringa oleifera tree, as well as its cosmetic applications for your hair and skin. In this post, we will look at the medicinal benefits of that incredible natural resource.
Our health should be of primary concern, and few natural products offer such holistic benefits as the moringa tree. The bioactive compounds help prevent and treat diseases, and the leaves become an anti-inflammatory and even used as an antiseptic. Going further, studies show moringa supporting brain function, helping digestion, protecting the liver, and improving bone health.
This is the third in a three-part series focusing on the health benefits of moringa.
Disease treatment and prevention
Each part of the moringa plant contains bioactive compounds, from the leaves to the flowers, stem, and seeds. For chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes, the plant can treat each one and offers a wide range of further medicinal benefits.
Few plants provide such a holistic approach to disease treatment and the bioactive compounds in moringa offer antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. Studies have found that these compounds can fight against cancer and diabetes, they can even protect heart health.
The anti-inflammatory effect
One of moringa’s main medicinal benefits comes from its anti-inflammatory use, which goes a long way to prevent several autoimmune diseases. Various compounds present in moringa combine to great effect. These include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides but also antioxidants, phytonutrients, and antibacterial compounds, so if you do see signs of inflammation, have some moringa-based products available. Then there is quercetin, which operates as a strong antioxidant, and isothiocyanates, which help with detoxification.
Inflammatory proteins and enzymes in the body are reduced while free radicals are combatted. For the best applications of moringa as an anti-inflammatory to combat infection, look to apply leaf concentrates.
Supports mood and cognition
Moringa can help increase brain power and cognitive function due to its strong profile of vitamins and amino acids. This feature focuses on tryptophan, which is closely related to the ‘happiness hormone’ known as serotonin. Not only can the hormone improve memory and motor function, it can also help with learning and the reward centres of an individual’s brain. With strong antioxidants, as well as vitamins C and E, you can expect moringa to stem the effects of oxidative stress on the brain which can later develop into cognitive disorders.
Aiding digestion
If you need to ‘stay regular’ then moringa can help with that too. Specifically, via the soluble and insoluble fibres present in the plant, which can aid digestion and alleviate constipation. Moringa leaves also contain a high concentration of B vitamins to help out the digestive system.
Those soluble fibres turn to gel when dissolved in water and can slow the digestive process, helping you feel fuller for longer. Then the insoluble fibres will add some much-needed bulk to your stool so it passes through your digestive system far easier, reducing constipation. Finally, the nutritional profile of moringa includes compounds that also boost the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Leaves looking out for your liver
To ensure a highly functional liver, moringa leaves will stabalise liver enzymes. This can be vital as the liver detoxifies blood, metabolises fat, and absorbs nutrients. Moringa leaves can also speed up the repair of liver cells due to their high concentration of polyphenols, which protect and reduce against oxidative stress. A dual effect of moringa leaves also means that they improve the liver’s protein levels.
Better bone health
As a rich source of phosphorus and calcium, moringa leaves are ideal for improving the health of your bones. To combat arthritis, the leaves are used as an anti-inflammatory, which can then heal any damaged bones. Moringa has also treated osteoporosis and helped maintain strong teeth.
History of moringa as medicine
Using moringa for its medicinal benefits is not new. The roots of moringa oleifera for medicinal purposes date back to India in the 18th century BC. Every part of the plant has been used to treat a range of ailments. These include;
- joint pain,
- anaemia,
- bronchitis,
- headaches,
- rheumatism, and
- diarrhoea.
The medicinal benefits of moringa are vast. From its use as an anti-inflammatory, to how it can look out for your liver, aid digestion, and support your cognitive function. A more basic application is to use the moringa leaves as an antiseptic. You can already appreciate how moringa fights inflammation yet a more fundamental use fends off the most basic of bacterial infections for cuts, bruises, and burns.
Credits
Words: Omar Soliman
Visuals: Kris Kiss
Register to participate in our moringa product research study
Thanks to a partnership between The Community Revolution and the Ghana Permaculture Institute, many moringa plants will be planted. Here in the UK, the partnership means that you may be selected to realise the potential of moringa-based products. For medicinal purposes, this could mean moringa leaf powder to use as an anti-inflammatory.
Make sure you register to have the chance to participate in our moringa product research study. Successful applicants will be invited to our consumer testing sessions to use a range of moringa-based products.
These products will include:
- Cosmetics, such as hair and skin care products
- Food and nutrition products
You will also be entered into a free prize draw to win products to enjoy at home.