With over one hundred thousand videos on Tik Tok alone, the Indian herbal leaf Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is currently a darling of the alternative wellness scene. But is it just another in a long line of ethnobotanicals untested and unproven to dazzle us with its ‘purported’ health benefits?

Background

Consumed raw or added to food and drinks in Southeast Asia where it’s really popular, Moringa can be purchased here as a dietary supplement in powder, pill or capsule form. Like Kratom it’s taken on-the-go or added to drinks and smoothies. In Asia it’s a popular ingredient in a range of recipes but fresh Moringa, again like Kratom, is not widely available in the West.

Legal to buy in the United States, Moringa is not approved as a dietary supplement by the FDA although it is regarded as a ‘superfood’ by advocates. Illegal in Brazil since 2019, Moringa in any form was banned by the country’s health Regulatory body ANVISA owing to a lack of solid scientific research into the safety and efficacy of the plant. The plant will stay under the FDAs microscope as the agency issued a legal notice for regulatory action in 2024 owing to the mislabelling of Moringa products from some retailers so it’s advisable to check you’re purchasing from a reputable vendor when buying.

Moringa leaves contain 18 different types of amino acids believed to offer a range of health benefits, including improved skin and hair health, thanks to their rich antioxidant content,”

Originating from the Tamil word ‘murungai’ which means twisted pod, the moringa tree is native to South Asia and flourishes in numerous other subtropical climates. Known for its environmental sustainability, this remarkable flowering plant is often called the ‘Miracle Tree’ for boasting an impressive array of vitamins and minerals. It has long been a staple in Southeast Asian traditional herbal medicine, used to treat issues as diverse as dehydration and arthritis.

Benefits

It’s not hard to understand how it got its nickname either. Moringa possesses no less than 18 different amino acids and contains 17 times more calcium than milk,10 times more vitamin A than carrots, 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, 25 times more iron than spinach, and 9 times more protein than yogurt. Moringa leaves are packed with antioxidants such as flavonoids, polyphenols and beta-carotene as well as having a high potassium (3 times more than in a banana) and magnesium content.

Advocates believe Moringa can help treat:

• Gut issues
• Support healthy liver function
• Boost cognitive function
• Great detoxifier
• Regulate blood sugar
• Additional source of plant-based protein
• Supports skin and hair health
• Eliminate constipation
• Lower cholesterol
• Aid weight loss
• Strengthen immune system
• Boost libido
• Increase energy and stamina

Possible side-effects

To date, side-effects appear to be few and far between. However it’s always advisable to consult your physician before starting any new supplements in case of an adverse reaction or in case it conflicts with existing medications. As always, correct dosage is key to an optimal experience so start small and build up slowly, taking into account your current physiological and psychological health.

While scientific research into the efficacy of Moringa is still in its infancy and caution when taking is advised, as with any non-regulated health supplement.