Description of Moringa Oleifera and general characteristics

Moringa oleifera is the scientific name for the most well-known variety of of moringa trees, of the family Moringaceae.  It is a very -fast-growing, drought resistant, small size leafy tree with approximately 5 to 10 m height ,  native to the sub-Himalayan areas of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan that produces flowers or pods , now found throughout the tropics due to its multiple utilities. There are at least a dozen different varieties of  the moringa tree, but moringa oleifera is by far the most  utilized.

Moringa oleifera has several local names, but due to its healing power and lifesaving quality, it’s often referred to as the “Miracle Tree”.

Other names moringa oleifera is known by are: “drumstick tree,” or “horseradish tree,” Arango, Árbol de las Perlas, Behen, Ben Ailé, Ben Nut Tree, Ben Oléifère, Benzolive, Canéficier de l’Inde, Chinto Borrego, Clarifier Tree, Drumstick Tree, Indian Horseradish, Jacinto, Kelor Tree, Malunggay, Marango, Mlon.

Its name derives from the Tamil and Telegu words munakkai/murungai/muringa, which mean “Never Die” due to its noteworthy features.

 Some Unique characteristics of Moring Oleifera

The National Institute of Health called moringa (moringa oleifera) the “plant of the year,” in 2008, stating  that “perhaps like no other single species, this plant has the potential to help reverse multiple major environmental problems and provide for many unmet human needs.”

The moringa tree has the remarkable capacity of growing in poor, nutrient-depleted soils where other useful plants cannot survive. In Somalia, India and other African countries, certain undernourished populations have  greatly benefited from this peculiar trait of moringa oleifera during times of severe draught and famine. Even in the driest season moringa stays internally hydrated and succeeds in retaining its electrolyte balance.

Moringa oleifera is currently successfully used in reforestation projects, to help restore fertility to the soil, as well as to filter water and ,last but not least, to provide an array of important nutrients to the human population.

Moringa as an aid in the fight against malnutrition

This is one plant food that displays not just one or two but numerouspotential healing powers. Being a good source of protein vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, moringa oleifera is thought to be a helpful supplement for people who are malnourished. It has been used by health authorities around the world, particularly in developing countries, to help combat symptoms of malnutrition and aging for several decades now;  moringa is used in india and africa in feeding programs to fight malnutrition.

 the fact that moringa grows rapidly and easily makes it especially appealing for impoverished areas, and it’s been used successfully for boosting nutritional intake in malawi, senegal, and india. In these areas, moringa may be the most nutritious food locally available, and it can be harvested year-round.

Traditional uses of the various parts of the plant

So far, scientists have only investigated a fraction of the many reputed benefits of this plant, yet enough to confirm a good deal of the wide variety of nutritional and medicinal properties attributed to this plant since time immemorial.

This tree has been traditionally revered for centuries in ancient cultures  in various parts of the world, who  have long used moringa in their herbal medicine repertoire for ailments ranging from gout to various inflammations and fevers

Moringa oleifera has been used extensively in traditional medicine practices  and has been praised for its health benefits for more than 4,000 years.

The uses of moringa are well documented in both the ayurvedic and unani systems of traditional medicine, among the most ancient healing systems in the world. The ayurvedic system of medicine associates it with the cure or prevention of about 300 diseases. Among them, to help heal bone fractures and encourage bone growth in children; its contents of calcium and other nutrients could potentially increase bone mass to prevent osteoporosis.

Furthermore, ayurvedic medicine uses moringa as a natural antibiotic, an aid in childbirth, for treating liver disorders, as an anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and cardioprotective  medicine. It has been used  to prevent or treat stomach ulcers, kidney damage, fungal or yeast infections as well as digestive complaints .it considers  it one of the most valuable and useful plants.

Medicinal and nutritional properties of moringa oleifera

Moringa is a unique plant because almost all parts of it can be used as a source for nutrition and its other medicinal properties that fight free radical damage, including leaves, seed, pods, flowers and fruits which are edible, and roots and bark which are also used for their therapeutic value. Virtually all parts of the plant are used to treat inflammation, infectious disorders, and various problems of the cardiovascular and digestive organs, while improving liver function and enhancing milk flow in nursing mothers.

The most popular medicinal use of moringa, both traditionally and today, involves drying and grinding down the tree’s antioxidant-packed leaves to unlock the most moringa benefits.

Indeed, it is known as a ‘superfood’ due to its health benefits, which are tantalizing.

This is due to its combination of macro and micro nutritional factors. These factors can promote immunity and help prevent the development of different life-threatening disorders including cancer and hiv.

Its huge antioxidant property and the rare combination of phytochemicals in mo give it great value as a folk medicine. The isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in moringa leaves, pods, and seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Moringa can act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, possess antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antispasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and antifungal activities, and is being employed for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine.

There is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect when leaves are applied to wounds or insect bites; extracts can be used against bacterial or fungal skin complaints; flower juice improves the quality and flow of mothers’ milk when breast feeding, and is useful for urinary problems as it encourages urination. Moringa is sometimes applied directly to the skin as a germ-killer or drying agent (astringent). It is also used topically for treating pockets of infection (abscesses), athlete’s foot, dandruff, gum disease (gingivitis), snakebites, warts, and wounds.

In haiti, villagers boil moringa flowers in water and drink the tea as a powerful cold remedy.

Its young seed pods and leaves are likewise consumed as vegetables, fresh or dried.  Due to high protein and fiber content the seeds play a useful part in treating malnutrition and diarrhea.

In addition to its well-known  anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and cardioprotective properties, moringa appears to have anti-diabetic effects as well, likely due to beneficial plant compounds contained in the leaves, including isothiocyanates. The isothiocyanates, flavonoids, and phenolic acids are present in moringa leaves, pods, and seeds.particularly noteworthy are its isothiocyanates, which have anti-bacterial properties that may help to rid your body of h. Pylori, a bacteria implicated in gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer.

The roots and the bark have all of the properties described above but are more concentrated. Therefore much more care should be taken if using them as medicines. They are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and for inflammation. The bark is an appetizer and digestive.

* in senegal and india, roots are pounded and mixed with salt to make a poultice for treating rheumatism and articulars pains. In senegal, this poultice is also used to relieve lower back or kidney pain

* the alkaloid spirachin (a nerve paralysant) has been found in the roots.

* the gum is diuretic, astringent and abortifacient and is used against asthma.

Finally, the seed cake remaining after oil extraction is used as a fertilizer and also to purify well water and to remove salt from seawater.

Potential of moringa in disease prevention

Research on animals shows moringa could potentially play a role in disease prevention. There are no known side effects to taking moringa in normal, recommended quantities.

Because it provides a concentrated source of vitamin a, moringa is given to thousands of children in third-world countries every year suffering from life-threatening vitamin a deficiency, which is linked to impaired immune function.

Nutritional profile of moringa

Different parts of moringa contain a profile of important minerals and are a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids and various phenolics. Moringa provides a rich and rare combination of zeatin, quercetin, beta-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and kaempferol.

Moringa contains around 20 types of amino-acids, 46 antioxidants, 36 anti-inflammatory compounds and more than 90 nutrients which make it one of the best nutritional supplements. It is an excellent source of minerals like iron, calcium and vitamins a, b, b1, b2, b3, b6, c, e as well as macro minerals, trace minerals and phytonutrients.

Moringa is a great source of protein which is not only responsible for preserving physiological functioning, but also helps with building different body tissues including cellular structure, bones and muscles.

Protein is made with a sequence of amino acids. Almost 18-20 amino acids are present in mo that are required for building essential protenieous structures. Almost 10 -12 amino acids are prepared inside the human body, but another eight essential amino acids can be supplied through a proper diet. Surprisingly, moringa contains all these eight essential amino acids, so adding moringa to your diet is a way to avoid a deficiency of these essential amino acids.

Medicinal and nutritional value of moringa leaves

The leaves are considered the most potent parts of the plant, containing the most antioxidants and available macronutrients. In regard to the concentration of phenolic compounds, amino acids and volatile oils, the stem and root portions of the plant appear to have the least bioactive nutrients compared to the leaves. The leaves are considered the most potent parts of the plant, containing the most antioxidants and available macronutrients. In regard to the concentration of phenolic compounds, amino acids and volatile oils, the stem and root portions of the plant appear to have the least bioactive nutrients compared to the leaves.

Gram for gram of moringa leaves has seven times the amount of vitamin c of oranges, 17 times the calcium of milk, 9 times the protein of yogurt, 10 times the vitamin a of carrots, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 17 times the calcium of milk.   It has more iron than spinach; one tablespoon of moringa leaf satisfies 23 percent of a small child’s daily iron requirement. It is  also a source of other essential minerals, b vitamins, vitamin d and vitamin k.

One cup of fresh, chopped leaves (21 grams) contains the following (2):

• Protein: 2 grams
• Vitamin b6: 19% of the rda
• Vitamin c: 12% of the rda
• Iron: 11% of the rda
• Riboflavin (b2): 11% of the rda
• Vitamin a (from beta-carotene): 9% of the rda
• Magnesium: 8% of the rda
• Fiber: 2% of daily requirement

Most of the nutrients in moringa are present in its leaves and seeds which alone can provide the maximum required daily allowance (rda) of some essential nutrients such as 2 grams of protein, 19% of the rda of vitamin b6, 11% of the rda of vitamin b2 (riboflavin), 12% of the rda of vitamin c, 9% of the rda of vitamin a, 11% of the rda of iron; and 8% of the rda of magnesium can be fulfilled with 21 gm of fresh moringa leaves,

The leaves of moringa contain the most antioxidants and available macronutrients and are deemed therefore to be the most powerful part of the plant.

In regard to the concentration of phenolic compounds, amino acids and volatile oils, the stem and root portions of the plant appear to have the least bioactive nutrients compared to the leaves.

It takes roughly seven pounds of moringa leaves to make one pound of dried powder. The reason why dried leaf powder is preferred over fresh leaves is that it is more nutritious and in some cases, contains even ten times more specific nutrients in comparison to fresh moringa leaves. Moreover, it is comparable to all the common fruits and vegetables in terms of its nutritional value. Being pure and organic, this soft and fluffy powder has no side effects and is easy to store and use. It is easily soluble in water and can be used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes.

Moringa oleifera leaves are loaded with numerous  health-enhancing compounds, including antioxidants, protein, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin c and potassium. .its small, rounded leaves are loaded with an incredible amount of nutrition :vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, ,healthy antioxidants, and other bioactive plant substances.

These include : protein, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin c ,potassium,, moringine, moringinine, the potent antioxidants quercetin, cholorogenic acid. Kaempferol, rhamnetin, and various polyphenols,  proven anti-inflammatories with strong medicinal values. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that may help to lower blood pressure; cholorogenic acid, also found in high amounts in coffee, has been shown to slow cells’ absorption of sugar. Chlorogenic acid could theoretically support weight loss by balancing blood sugar and by acting as a fat burner.

Numerous studies have shown that these compounds are protective of the heart, natural circulatory stimulants, and possess antitumor, anti-epileptic, anti-ulcer, antispasmodic,  antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects.

Moringa leaf powder can increase blood antioxidant levels. Being a relatively potent antioxidant,  it seems to be less potent than other herbs when tested outside of a living system. Yet , surprisingly. It does appear to be quite potent when tested in living models. The reason for the increased potency in living models is not known (although it is possible that it can induce cellular transcriptional changes similar to sulforaphane since the bioactives are similar in structure), but the antioxidant properties seem to underlie the vast majority of benefits associated with this supplement.

Moringa leaves ‘ strong antioxidant activity works  against free radicals, preventing  oxidative damage to major biomolecules, and providing them with  significant protection due to its high amount of polyphenols.

One study found women who took  seven grams of moringa leaf powder daily for three months reduced their fasting blood sugar levels by 13.5 percent. In another study, it was found that adding 50 grams of moringa leaves to a meal reduced the rise in blood sugar by 21 percent among diabetic patients. In both studies it was found that blood levels of antioxidants increased significantly.

The leaves seem to be getting the most market attention, notably for their use in reducing high blood pressure, eliminating water weight, and lowering cholesterol. The regular consumption of moringa is  associated with a reduced risk for chronic diseases, such as stomach, lung or colon cancer; diabetes; hypertension; and age-related eye disorders, protecting and nourishing the skin, and helping stabilize mood and protect brain health.

Studies show that moringa leaves possess anti-tumor and anti-cancer activities, due in part to a compound called niaziminin. Preliminary experimentation also shows activity against the epstein-barr virus. Compounds in the leaf appear to help regulate thyroid function, especially in cases of over-active thyroid. Further research points to anti-viral activity in cases of herpes simplex

Some research found that moringalowered glucose levels in the blood of rats with type 2 diabetes. The lowered glucose levels have been attributed to quercetin and kaempferol — two phytoconstituents the scientists extracted from moringa pods. After treating rats that had type 2 diabetes with their extracts from moringa pods, their progression of diabetes slowed. Moringa  also reduced oxidation and improved insulin and protein levels

Particularly noteworthy are its isothiocyanates, which have anti-bacterial properties that may help to rid the body of h. Pylori, a bacteria implicated in gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer .moringa has therefore been traditionally used to treat stomach ulcers.one of the plant’s  bioactives, rbitc, is effective in suppressing macrophage activation in the nanomolar range and is worth some future research into.

Some  preliminary human testing have confirmed  that  moringa regular consumption lowered the cholesterol levels and reduced the atherosclerotic plaque formation to about 50 and 86%, respectively. These effects were at degrees comparable to those of simvastatin. These results indicate that this plant possesses antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, and antiatherosclerotic activities, and has therapeutic potential for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Because of its nutritional potency, moringa leaves are dried and ground to be consumed in capsules as multivitamins to supplement a healthy diet. However one should keep in mind is that if you’re taking moringa oleifera as a supplement, taking it in capsules won’t supply large amounts of nutrients. it is therefore advisable to take it in spoonful’s with meals, sprinkled on top of foods, in smoothies , soups, porridge, etc.

From a digestive standpoint, moringa is high in fiber that works like a mop in the intestines to clean up any of that extra grunge left over from a greasy diet.

Uses of royal Royal Moringa Powder

As a health supplement, royal moringa powder  is used as a general booster of the immune system. Specifically it is used  to treat arthritis and other  joint pain (rheumatism);anaemia,asthma; cancer; constipation; diabetes; diarrhea; epilepsy; 

stomach pain; stomach and intestinal ulcers; intestinal spasms; headache; heart problems; high blood pressure; kidney stones; fluid retention, swelling; thyroid disorders; and bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections, inflammation-related diseases.

This miracle supplement benefits the libido , being used to treat low sex drive. It might likewise work as a natural birth control compound, according to some studies, and to increase breast milk production. 

How to consume Royal Moringa Powder

Our royal moringa powder is the most nutrient-dense type of moringa powder available in the market, organic and dried slowly under low temperatures, which helps preserve delicate compounds.

Here are the most common ways to use moringa to get the best  benefits possible:

• Moringa powder can be added to smoothies, soups, and other foods for extra nutrition. Moringa powder has a distinctive “green” flavour (du to its chlorophyll contents),  so you may want to start out slowly when adding it to your meals. Moringa powder can be used to make a potent antioxidant tea.
• Take royal moring powder preferably with a meal ,rather than on an empty stomach, either sprinkled on your food, or blended in a smoothie, mixed in the soup or broth, sauce, casserole,etc. Avoid cooking or boiling  the powder, so as to preserve its nutritional value in its entirety.
• Moringa tea: moringa tea is made from dried leaves steeped in hot water, just like many other beneficial herbal teas.

• Recommended dosage: there’s no recommended or required dosage of moringa at this time since it’s only an herbal supplement and not an essential nutrient. That being said, there’s some evidence that the optimum dose for humans has been calculated to be 29 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
• It’s recommended that you start by taking half a teaspoon of dried moringa orally per day for three to five days, increasing your intake slowly over two weeks as you get used  to its effects. Most people choose to take moringa every several days but not every single day for long duration of time, since it can cause laxative effects and an upset stomach when overused..
  

Caution – adverse reactions

The plant is generally considered to be nontoxic as a supplement in the recommended normal dosages. Nevertheless, some research papers have reported the following adverse reactions:

1. Bradycardia (decreased heart rate) and hypotension due to the presence of alkaloids in moringa.

2. Some antifertility properties observed in moringa may cause impotency.

3. In animal studies evidence has been found that long-term administration of moringa leaves may cause hepatic as well as renal impairment.

4. During pregnancy or when breast-feeding, it’s best to avoid high doses of moringa supplement  since not enough research has been done to show it’s definitely safe.

Use moringa under the care of a health care professional or functional doctor if pregnant or breast-feeding to air on the safe side.

Note

The adverse effects pointed out above have been mostly found in animal studies or in a laboratory setting through in-vitro , in-vivo processes. More human trials are necessary to confirm similar effects in humans and to establish the accurate dosage required in supplementation.

Furthermore the above mentioned adverse effects occur mainly due to improper dosing. Accurate dosing is strongly recommended for human use to prevent adverse reactions.

If you have any problems with your blood pressure, heart, liver or kidney — or if you take any prescription medications – do not consume moringa until you talk with your doctor.

Because it’s completely natural and free from chemical additives our royal moringa powder  taken by mouth or used on the skin seems to be very well-tolerated and unlikely to cause side effects.

Moringa Leaves Powder RDA

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For further information tune to:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edqDVdjb9LQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB5hMXjo2TY

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