Moringa: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Tree of life
Scientific name(s)
Moringa oleifera
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Iron
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical studies show that consumption of moringa leaf powder (8 g per day for 40 days) may reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels in patients with dyslipidemia, while increasing HDL levels. However, the validity of these findings is limited by the lack of statistical comparison with a control group.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
8 g
powder
Type 2 diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
In patients with type 2 diabetes, studies show that taking moringa leaf powder (8 g per day for 40 days) may reduce fasting and postprandial blood glucose. However, these results are often accompanied by a low-calorie diet, making it difficult to attribute the effects solely to moringa.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
8 g
powder
Child development ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical trial in Indonesia suggests that consumption of moringa powder (500 mg per day for 3 months) by pregnant women reduces stunted growth in children aged 36 to 42 months. These results, however, are influenced by differences in the formulations used (powder vs extract).
Posologie
Oral: leaf
500 mg
powder
Anemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Among pregnant women with anemia, biscuits enriched with moringa leaf powder (5.6 g per day for 60 days) increase hemoglobin by 1 g/dL, compared with an increase of 0.66 g/dL with iron supplement alone, according to a study conducted in Indonesia.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
5.6 g
powder
Lactation ✪✪✪✪✪
A meta-analysis of three clinical trials shows that taking moringa leaf capsules (250 to 350 mg twice daily) increases breast milk volume by about 120 mL per expression at the end of the first postpartum week, although the clinical significance is limited by the short duration of the studies.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
500 mg
powder
Properties
Antioxidant
Moringa owes its antioxidant properties to its richness in polyphenols, flavonoids (such as quercetin) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These compounds neutralize the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress. In vitro studies indicate that moringa leaf extracts trap superoxide radicals, prevent lipid membrane peroxidation, inhibit oxidation of rat liver microsomes, and slow the peroxidation of linoleic acid and lipids. The leaves also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase.rnrn
Hypoglycemic
Moringa leaves act as hypoglycemics by inhibiting digestive enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase, delaying the absorption of sugars in the intestine. In addition, active compounds such as isothiocyanate stimulate insulin secretion and improve peripheral tissue sensitivity to glucose. These effects contribute to better glycemic control, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes.rnrn
Usages associés
Galactogenic
The galactogenic property of moringa is attributed to its richness in phytosterols, which promote the production of prolactin, the key hormone of lactation. This effect has been confirmed by clinical studies that show a significant increase in milk production in breastfeeding women consuming leaf extracts.rnrn
Usages associés
Antibacterial
Moringa seeds and leaves contain isothiocyanates and active peptides that act as antimicrobial agents. These compounds disrupt bacterial membranes and inhibit the proliferation of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Moringa extracts show marked antibacterial activity by inhibiting essential bacterial metabolic pathways.rnrn
Safe dosage
Adult: 6 g - 10 g (powder)
Moringa leaves are generally used as powders or extracts in doses of 6 to 10 g per day.
