Moringa: Benefits, Dosage, Precautions
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
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical studies show that consuming moringa leaf powder (8 g per day for 40 days) can reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides levels in patients with dyslipidemia, while increasing HDL levels. However, the validity of these results is limited by the lack of statistical comparison with a control group.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
8 g
powder
Type 2 Diabetes ✪✪✪✪✪
Among patients with type 2 diabetes, studies show that taking moringa leaf powder (8 g per day for 40 days) can reduce fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels. However, these results are often associated with a hypocaloric diet, making it difficult to exclusively attribute the effects to moringa.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
8 g
powder
Child Development ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical trial in Indonesia suggests that consuming moringa powder (500 mg per day for 3 months) by pregnant women reduces stunted growth in children aged 36 to 42 months. These outcomes are, however, influenced by differences in formulations used (powder vs extract).
Posologie
Oral: leaf
500 mg
powder
Anemia ✪✪✪✪✪
In pregnant women with anemia, biscuits enriched with moringa leaf powder (5.6 g per day for 60 days) increase hemoglobin levels by 1 g/dL, compared to an increase of 0.66 g/dL with an 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 approximately 120 mL per expression by the end of the first postpartum week, though the clinical relevance is limited by the short duration of the studies.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
500 mg
powder
Properties
Antioxidant
Moringa's antioxidant properties are attributed to its richness in polyphenols, flavonoids (such as quercetin), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These compounds neutralize free radicals responsible for oxidative stress. In vitro studies indicate that moringa leaf extracts trap superoxide radicals, prevent lipid membrane peroxidation, inhibit the 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.
Hypoglycemic
Moringa leaves act as hypoglycemics by inhibiting digestive enzymes like alpha-glucosidase, delaying sugar absorption in the intestine. Additionally, active compounds such as isothiocyanates stimulate insulin secretion and improve the glucose sensitivity of peripheral tissues. These effects contribute to better glycemic control, particularly for type 2 diabetes.
Usages associés
Galactagogue
Moringa's galactagogue property is attributed to its richness in phytosterols, which enhance the production of prolactin, the key hormone in lactation. This action has been confirmed by clinical studies showing a significant increase in milk production in lactating women consuming leaf extracts.
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.
Safety dosage
Adult: 6 g - 10 g (powder)
Moringa leaves are generally used in powder or extract form at a dose of 6 to 10 g per day.
