What are the Health Benefits of Moringa?

How could the power of Moringa benefit your life?

By Dr. Veronica Hayduk, ND, 04 September, 2020

Moringa Leaf and Powder — Moringa leaf and powder, photo by Richard Carmichael, March 2025

Have you heard about Moringa oleifera? The green powder's well known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, along with other health benefits has been used in traditional herbal remedies for thousands of years.

What is Moringa oleifera?

Moringa oleifera is a large tree native to Northern India which is often called the “tree of life,” or “miracle tree.” The moringa tree's leaves and seeds are both widely used, with the leaves being a particularly well-known source of nutrients. The seeds are used for various purposes including water purification. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) originated in Asia but is now cultivated across the globe, coveted for its health and wellness benefits.

The name Moringa derives from a Tamil word, murungai, meaning "twisted pod", alluding to the young fruit which is edible. The specific name oleifera is derived from the Latin words oleum for "oil", and ferre, "to bear." The plant has numerous common names across regions where it is cultivated, with drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or simply moringa used in English.

The known health benefits of Moringa

Moringa's many benefits include boosting heart and liver health, improving skin and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. The powder has known anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and is useful for people on diets seeking weight loss. Moringa may help lower high cholesterol while protecting the body – particularly the liver - from harmful toxins. How is this possible? Moringa's ability to resist drought and frost makes it an exceptionally robust tree, and a rich source of essential nutrients. Moringa seeds are also used as a low-cost absorbant and coagulant agent for the removal of metals and microbial contamination from waste water.

Let's run down some of the ways in which Moringa might be right for you, as well as reviewing the precautions that come with taking any supplement.

The benefit to your heart, blood and liver

Moringa powder contains essential amino acids, the building blocks of proteins which are vital for healthy blood and thus may help with anemia. Moringa leaves are also rich in the iron necessary to help correct this deficiency. Whole leaf preparations of Moringa have demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic and anti-diabetic effects, such as reducing glucose levels in the blood and protein levels in urine. Moringa contains isothiocyanate and niaziminin, compounds which can help stop arteries from thickening, and which can cause abnormal elevations in blood pressure.

M. oleifera has proven liver-protecting properties and anti-inflammatory effects against chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity and the side effects of other harsh pharmaceutical drugs, while also helping the liver and other organs to repair. Lastly, Moringa has been very useful in conjunction with other herbs and supplements in post-chemotherapy and radiation detox treatments.

Moringa and weight loss

There is no easy way to safely lose weight and continue to maintain a healthier physique. One must burn more calories than one consumes. So can Moringa aid in weight loss?

Research has shown that Moringa extract can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain in mice. Moringa's high vitamin B content helps with smooth and efficient digestion. These B vitamins are needed to make hydrochloric acid, which is vital for nutrient assimilation and can assist the body when converting food into energy (as opposed to storing it as fat). However, don’t bank on Moringa alone to shed those pounds!

Contraindications

Taking Moringa supplementation alongside other remedies can result in blood pressure and blood sugar levels becoming too low. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, and keep a log of readings to share at appointments with your physician. You may also want to alert family members of any changes to your supplement schedule before an adverse reaction becomes problematic. Additionally, unless you are experiencing a significant side effect, it is always a good idea to be consistent when taking any herb or supplement. It will take at least a month for you to notice any changes.

Like all supplements and herbal products, the United States Food & Drug Administration does not monitor Moringa. This is why it is always a good idea to choose a reputable source when purchasing the powder (as with any herb). Supplements purchased from less reputable sources are not likely the same strain of Moringa used in scientific studies, and may not be effective.

Compounds in the Moringa leaf may be an aid to thyroid function, but be aware of complications arising from taking one supplement in combination with another. Moringa in combination with other medications, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) may reduce their effectiveness which can lead to other negative complications.

Lastly, if you are trying to get pregnant or are pregnant, leave Moringa alone. Moringa may possess some anti-fertility qualities for women, and if you are a man concerned about sperm count, it's best to leave Moringa on the shelf.