Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in proteins, vitamin A, minerals, essential amino acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids, as well as isothiocyanates. But no human clinical trial has been done to evaluate its efficacy in reducing malnutrition.
A study conducted to determine the nutritional value of different moringa species in leaves reveals high variations in protein content and micro and macro nutrients. Moringa oleifera leaves were clearly rich of protein but no information is available on its bioavailability, amino acid sequence and anti-nutritional elements(1).
A trial was done on using Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) in infants as fortified food supplement on its effect on hemoglobin and growth parameters after 4 months of intervention. However, hemoglobin and growth parameter s did not improve significantly(2).
There has been few safety studies conducted in humans and concluded that it is safe at recommended doses(3).
In mice, moringa leaves protects against arsenic induced poisoning(4).
Moringa oleifera Leaf Petroleum Ether Extract Inhibits Lipogenesis(5)
It also exhibits antihyperlipidemic activity in rabbits(6).
Moringa leaves also has some anticancer properties but more research is needed(7).
Additionally, moringa leaves, pods, seeds and oil have immunomodulatory, antinflammatory, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties(8).
References
1. OLSON, M.E., et al. Leaf Protein and Mineral Concentrations Across the “Miracle Tree” Genus Moringa. PloS One, 20160726, Jul 26, 2016, vol. 11, no. 7. pp. e0159782 ISSN 1932-6203; 1932-6203.
2. BOATENG, L., et al. Effect of Complementary Foods Fortified with Moringa Oleifera Leaf Powder on Hemoglobin Concentration and Growth of Infants in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Food Science & Nutrition, 20181120, Nov 20, 2018, vol. 7, no. 1. pp. 302-311 ISSN 2048-7177; 2048-7177.
3. STOHS, S.J. and HARTMAN, M.J. Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa Oleifera. Phytotherapy Research : PTR, 20150324, Jun, 2015, vol. 29, no. 6. pp. 796-804 ISSN 1099-1573; 0951-418X.
4. SHEIKH, A., et al. Protective Effects of Moringa Oleifera Lam. Leaves Against Arsenic-Induced Toxicity in Mice. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, May, 2014, vol. 4, no. Suppl 1. pp. S353-8 ISSN 2221-1691; 2221-1691.
5. XIE, J., et al. Moringa Oleifera Leaf Petroleum Ether Extract Inhibits Lipogenesis by Activating the AMPK Signaling Pathway. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 20181218, Dec 18, 2018, vol. 9. pp. 1447 ISSN 1663-9812; 1663-9812.
6. MEHTA, K., et al. Effect of Fruits of Moringa Oleifera on the Lipid Profile of Normal and Hypercholesterolaemic Rabbits. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Jun, 2003, vol. 86, no. 2-3. pp. 191-195 ISSN 0378-8741; 0378-8741.
7. KHOR, K.Z., LIM, V., MOSES, E.J. and ABDUL SAMAD, N. The in Vitro and in Vivo Anticancer Properties of Moringa Oleifera. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 20181114, Nov 14, 2018, vol. 2018. pp. 1071243 ISSN 1741-427X; 1741-427X.
8. MATIC, I., et al. Investigation of Medicinal Plants Traditionally used as Dietary Supplements: A Review on Moringa Oleifera. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 20181221, Dec 21, 2018, vol. 9, no. 3. pp. 841 ISSN 2038-9922; 2038-9922.