A native tree to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a tree of many uses, and has also been emerging onto the US nutraceutical scene in the past few years.
Moringa grows quickly to 30-40 feet and tolerates drought conditions. It has several common names, such as “the drumstick tree”, as its pods look like drumsticks, and “horseradish tree” as the roots have been used as horseradish substitutes due to their flavor.
Moringa is often also called the “miracle tree” as it is known to have a number of health and nutrition benefits, and almost all plant parts have uses. It is drought-resistant, its young seed pods and leaves are used as vegetables, and it is also used for water purification.
Since it is so nutrient dense, the WHO has promoted the use of Moringa as a substitute for imported food supplies in the treatment of malnutrition.
The global Moringa market is estimated at USD $8.55 billion and forecasted to grow to $13.54 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 9.63%.
Moringa has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, as well as widely in South Asian countries for its food use. In Ayurveda, it is considered pacifying to the Kapha and Vata Doshas due to its bitterness. It is considered warming and pungent, and has uses for cleansing and detoxification, good for many body systems including the digestive, heart and circulatory system. It is used in many preparation types, both internal and topically.
Moringa is rich in protein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. It also has a “rich and rare” combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.
In a recent study, a Moringa polysaccharide preparation was found to enhance the gut microbiome by enhancing the number of beneficial organisms, such as Firmicutes, while also reducing the pathogenic organisms, such as Helicobacter.
The activities confirmed through scientific investigation show interest in promoting liver health, cytokine balance, digestive benefits, healthy blood lipids, immune health, cardiovascular health, and blood sugar balance.
To learn more about some of these Indian Botanicals, see my Indian botanical deep dive posts, visit K. Patel Phyto Extractions Pvt. Ltd. , or www.phytoextractskp.com to subscribe to our newsletter
hashtag#MedicinalPlantshashtag#Ethnopharmhashtag#Ethnobotanyhashtag#moringahashtag#ayurveda
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.