It is reported that intake of Moringa leaf extract helps reduce High Blood Pressure by preventing thickening of arteries. However, it has been confirmed through researches on animals, not on humans.
If we go with the traditional knowledge, we see references of application of Moringa leaf extract, or Moringa leaf powder being highly recommended for reducing High Blood Pressure.
Moringa has been reported for many other health benefits and medicinal uses also. Let us have a brief introduction of the plant first.
Brief Introduction of the Plant
Moringa or the Drum Stick tree is a fast growing tree taxonomically belonging to family Moringaceae. Its scientific name is Moringa oleifera. It is a drought resistant tree which is native to India. It is also found in Africa and America.
The Moringa tree can grow up to a height of 10 to 15 metres. The trunk of the tree is slender with a diameter about 45cm.
The bark is thick, fibrous and green. The tree shows crown of branches that are drooping and fragile. Leaves are tri-pinnate. They form a feathery, open crown of foliage.
Flowers have sweet fragrance and attract numerous bees. These are bisexual.
Each flower contains 5 petals that are unequal in sizes. Flowers grow in clusters on specific stalks that are slender, hairy and green. Flower- stalks are spreading or drooping in nature.
The length of each cluster is usually 10 to 25 cm. The plant starts flowering within six months of plantation. Some species of plants flower once in a year during the months of April to June. However, some species flower round the year.
Fruits of Moringa are triangular and hanging capsules usually green to brown in colour. These have fibrous skin. The length of fruits is 20 to 40 cm. A single fruit has many seeds.
Seeds are light brown in colour. These wear papery wings that are white in colour. Wings help the seeds to disperse by wind. Seeds contain specific oil called as ben oil. Seeds contain about 40 % of Ben oil which is edible.
Medicinal Values of Moringa oliefera
Moringa oleifera has been in traditional medicinal use since hundreds of years. It has been reported to contain antifungal, anti-viral, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The extract of plant parts contains many nutrients like Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Fat and Proteins. The extract contains 78.66% water.
All the parts of Moringa tree including bark, sap, roots, leaves, flowers, and seeds have medicinal values.
The leaf-extract of Moringa contains Polyphenols. The extract of the whole plant can be taken to cure depression, anxiety, fatigue, diabetes, inflammations etc. It is also useful in keeping healthy bones. It is also useful in removing joint pain, cancer, constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis.
The leaf-extract of Moringa can be given for rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatic cancer, liver damage, stomach ulcers, asthma, wound healing, diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss.
The seed oil of Moringa oleifera protects hair, skin cells from damage and cures skin infection and sores.
The extract of Moringa leaves also contain Isothiocyanate and Niaziminin compounds, that stop thickening of arteries due to deposition of cholesterol and protects from High Blood Pressure. Thus, it is helpful for the cardiac health also.
It is reported that intake of extract of Moringa leaves may stop dilatation of retinal vessels, prevents thickening of eye capillaries and stops retinal dysfunction. It is reported that Moringa extract should not be given to pregnant women.
