Benefits of Moringa (miracle tree)

Nancy janssens
Sep 5, 2025
11 min read

Origin

A tropical plant species, native to the Himalayas and parts of India and Africa. It is highly drought-tolerant.

What is Moringa

Moringa is also called the miracle tree or tree of life. All parts of the Moringa plant have health benefits.

It is believed that there are at least a dozen different species of moringa trees, which belong to the Moringaceae family . These are fast-growing, tall, green plants that produce flowers or pods.

Of all the species, one (Moringa oleifera) is by far the most widely used.

People all over the world have included M. oleifera in their diet since ancient times because of its essential therapeutic values.

Moringa is also used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Moringa a source of nutrients

Moringa is a unique plant because almost all parts of it – leaves, seeds, flowers/pods, stems, and roots – can be used as a source of food, supplements, and other medicinal properties.

Nearly every part (leaf, pod, bark, gum, flower, seed, seed oil, and root) of this plant has been used to treat one or another ailment. The most popular medicinal use of this plant is drying and grinding Moringa leaves. In poor areas like India and Africa, Moringa is used to treat malnutrition because it is so rich in nutrients. See article

To date, more than a hundred compounds from different parts of Moringa oleifera have been characterized, including alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, vitamins, glycosides, and terpenes.

A 2022 study found that most people consider Moringa just a fruit/vegetable, but that the Moringa leaves “contain almost all essential nutrients, growth factors, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.”

Moringa ideal for athletes

It contains almost all amino acids . The link provides a table comparing other products. Moringa generally scores higher in all amino acids. This is very unique and ideal for athletes. The powder is ideal for adding to your protein powder. See the link for the Moringa amino acid table.

Moringa contains many powerful antioxidants , as well as plenty of fiber and protein . It's especially rich in fiber and protein when dried. A perfect superfood for athletes, but also for non-athletes. For better athletic performance, you need amino acids, fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients. See the table in the article. See link for tables .

Other products are compared here, and Moringa scores highest for protein. Wheat flour isn't healthy either, so you're better off choosing Moringa.

Moringa nutrient facts. See website

All benefits of Moringa at a glance

-Antimicrobial activities such as: anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial

-Anti-inflammatory

-High antioxidant effects (good against oxidative stress)

-Anti-cancer effects

-Liver protective/repairs liver damage

-High blood pressure and heart problems

-Stomach ulcers and improved gut health

-Analgesic and antipyretic

-Local anesthesia

-Neuro health (also Neuropathic pain)

-Wound healing

-Immunostimulating activity and can strengthen immunity

-Hematological activity (improves anemia)

-Anti-obesity / Diabetes

-Allergies/asthma

-Diuretic activity (influence on calcium oxalate urolithiasis) --> good for kidney stones

-Anti-snake venom effects

-Cytotoxicity (refers to the rate of toxic effects in a living cell)

-Fertility and abortion inducing

See research article 1 with extensive benefits.

See article 1

See research article 2 with overviews

This is a 2011 report from India, which includes various studies over the years. It discusses all the benefits mentioned above. It summarizes all the data and reports that have proven Moringa's medicinal and nutritional benefits. Its usefulness as a non-food product is also extensively described.

See extensive research below in PDF

Use and dosage

POWDER: The dried powder is highly concentrated. The body needs to adjust to this high nutrient content, so it's advisable to gradually increase your daily intake from 5 grams to a maximum of 15 grams.

Taking 1 tablespoon of Moringa powder is the equivalent of eating 1 cup of leafy greens, but if someone is new to increasing their 'greens' quotient, this may feel like too much, too soon.

The body needs time to adjust, and each individual has a unique body chemistry. It's best to start slowly by taking 1 teaspoon when adding it to a smoothie, green drink, protein shake, or meal.

What are the ways you can use Moringa powder?

Tea: Make a tea from the powder. Place some lukewarm/cold water in the bottom of your large mug. Add 1 teaspoon of Moringa powder and then fill the mug with boiling water.

You can vary this and also mix in Matcha powder tea. In that case, use half a teaspoon of each . you can also add some mint leaves, lemon juice or honey.

Protein shake or smoothie: Simply add 1 teaspoon to your smoothie or protein shake. Ideal for athletes.

Salad: put some powder on your cold salad

Sauces and soups: ideal for mixing into your soup or sauce

Making capsules: ideal as a supplement

Making a face mask: you can create your own recipe. Mix Moringa powder with Neem powder, baking soda, or green clay.

Moringa leaves: Use a large teacup and place the leaves in an empty tea bag or strainer. Drink 3 cups daily.

In the GEZOND wereldnieuws webshop we sell organic Moringa leaves and powder.

See webshop

Discussion of benefits

1-Antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic and antiviral

This is a comprehensive 2019 study from a university in Nigeria. Many studies have shown that almost all species of oleifera plants exhibit antimicrobial activities , including

-Antibacterial,

-Anti-fungal

-Anti-parasites

-Anti viral

It can be used against infections and bacteria.

In this study, they conclude that almost all parts of Moringa oleifera (the leaves, bark, root, flower, seed, flowers, fruit) have been reported to have antimicrobial activities against various microorganisms.

See extensive research below in PDF

Another clinical trial concluded that M. oleifera stem bark, taken 40 ml twice daily, is effective for most major symptoms of urinary tract infections . The drug is also useful in eradicating urinary pathogens such as E. coli, which are responsible for urinary tract infections. See the study.

In this study they also conclude that Moringa has antimicrobial effects. See study

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show 12 studies demonstrating that moringa has antimicrobial properties. It can also help treat candida.

See extensive research below in PDF (see page 11)

A 2021 study showed antifungal activity of Moringa oleifera leaf and seed extracts against Botrytis cinerea, which causes gray mold disease in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

See research

Chemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves and seeds. See research

2-Anti-inflammatory effects

A significant anti-inflammatory effect was observed in different parts of M. oleifera (leaves, pods, flowers and roots).

Moringa oleifera leaf ethanol extract influences signaling pathways to repair kidney tissue from cobalt-mediated oxidative damage and inflammation in rats.

See research

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show 14 studies demonstrating that moringa has anti-inflammatory properties.

See extensive research below in PDF (see page 13)

3-Research on reducing oxidative stress +

Antioxidant activities

Antioxidants are compounds that counteract free radicals in your body. High levels of free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and more. Several antioxidant compounds have been found in Moringa oleifera leaves. Moringa can reduce oxidative stress.

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show seven studies demonstrating that Moringa contains many free radicals and can reduce oxidative stress.

See extensive research below in PDF (see page 14)

This link will take you to 10 other studies demonstrating antioxidant activity. See the link for more studies.

4-Potential to help reduce kidney stones.

Laboratory tests have found evidence that moringa extract can prevent kidney stones from accumulating. Moringa has diuretic properties, which affect calcium oxalate urolithiasis. It's good for kidney stones.

In this 2016 study, they concluded that Moringa had kinetic inhibition and the ability to break crystals. The alcoholic and aqueous root extract of M. oleifera significantly affected calcium oxalate urolithiasis in male rats. This reduction was observed due to decreased retention levels of oxalates, calcium, and phosphates, as well as serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid. See the study below in PDF .

In another 2006 study, she concluded that supplementation with aqueous and alcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera root wood significantly reduced elevated urinary oxalate , demonstrating a regulatory effect on endogenous oxalate synthesis.

The increased deposition of stone-forming components in the kidneys of calculogenic rats was also significantly reduced by curative and preventive treatment with aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The results indicate that Moringa oleifera root wood possesses anti-urolithiatic activity. See study

In both groups, oral administration of Moringa oleifera bark extract resulted in a significant reduction in bladder stone weight compared to the control group. See study

5-Anti-cancer effects

Because Moringa is anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and a powerful antioxidant, it alone has anticancer effects. Research shows that Moringa contains important substances that inhibit tumor growth. The links below provide more than 10 studies.

See study 1

See study 2

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show five studies demonstrating that moringa has anticancer effects.

See extensive research below in PDF (See page 15)

6-Lever protection

Moringa can protect the liver from various negative influences. It can also reduce liver damage.

Regular treatment with this plant extract for about 21 days as a diet significantly reduced liver damage, an effect found to be due to the alkaloids quercetin, kaempferol, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and benzylglucosinolates in this plant. Studies 1 and 2 provide additional information on the liver-protective effects of Moringa. (See 8.7 Hepatoprotective Activity)

See study 1

See study 2

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show five studies demonstrating that moringa can protect the liver.

See extensive research below in PDF (See page 16)

7-Moringa contains glucosinolates + Liver detox

In this article they show that Moringa contains Glucosinolates

See article

Glucosinolates are a group of sulfur-containing compounds that occur naturally in certain vegetables and herbs, particularly cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. See the blog for all sulfur-containing vegetables.

See blog 1 glucosinolates (NED)

See blog 2 cruciferous vegetables (NED)

When these vegetables are cut, chewed or cooked, the glucosinolates are converted into several bioactive compounds, including isothiocyanates (e.g. sulforaphane), indoles and thiocyanates.

Glucosinolates are important because they play a role in protecting plants against insects and diseases.

Benefits of Glucosinolates

-Anti-cancer effects

-Strong anti-inflammatory

-powerful antioxidants

-Antimicrobial effects (such as: antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic)

-Good for the heart

It helps the body detoxify harmful substances and protect against free radical damage. Cruciferous vegetables contain secondary metabolites called glucosinolates, which are broken down into products that upregulate liver detoxification enzymes.

See article

In this article, they demonstrate that glucosinolates help detoxify the liver . Cruciferous vegetables and moringa can support healthy liver function and detoxification. This detoxification can reduce inflammatory responses and promote overall health. See article .

8- Fertility and abortifacient properties

Moringa is not recommended for pregnant women!!!

Moringa contains several compounds with abortifacient properties. The aqueous extract has been shown to have increased abortifacient and anti-fertility effects at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The article cites four studies on page 16. See the PDF below.

Recent studies of hot and cold extracts of M. oleifera leaves suggest that Moringa intake before, after, and during pregnancy may lead to adverse fetal developmental outcomes by causing severe contractions of the uterine wall. See article

9-Cardiovascular activity

Considerable research has been conducted on Moringa and cardiovascular activity. The reasons why Moringa was shown to protect the heart are mainly due to its high antioxidant content, potent anti-inflammatory properties, and rich nutritional content.

Researchers found that moringa could reduce inflammation in myocarditis. It also had cardioprotective effects.

See review with various studies for cardiovascular activities. See research

This is another review with various studies for heart and blood vessels.

See research

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show five studies demonstrating that moringa has heart-protective effects.

See extensive research below in PDF (See page 18)

10-Stomach ulcers, stomach and intestinal problems

Moringa can neutralize free radicals thanks to its high antioxidant content. It's also a good anti-inflammatory. It can also balance stomach acidity.

See review with various studies for stomach and intestinal activities.

See research

This is another review with various studies on gastrointestinal activities. See research

11-Pain relieving and antipyretic

Moringa leaf extract exhibits analgesic activity in nearly all parts of the tree in central and peripheral animal models. Several fractions of alcoholic extracts demonstrated potent analgesic effects compared to standard aspirin.

See review with various studies for pain relieving activities.

(See name: Analgesic and antipyretic activities)

See research

This is another review with several studies on pain relief activities. See research

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show several studies demonstrating that moringa has analgesic properties.

See extensive research below in PDF (See page 19)

12-Local anesthetic activity

B. Medhi et al. (1996) tested the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera root bark in frogs and guinea pig models for local anesthetic activity. In both cases, local anesthetic activity was observed in animal models.

This is a 2011 report from India, which includes various studies over the years. They show several studies demonstrating that Moringa has anesthetic effects.

See extensive research below in PDF (See page 20)

13-Neuroprotective

The aqueous extract of the roots blocked the epileptic seizures . Researchers also found that aqueous extract of the leaves offered protection against Alzheimer 's disease .

See review with various studies for neuroprotective activities. See research

This is another review with several studies for neuroprotective activities. See research

14-Hematological activity (blood)

A randomized, double-blind study suggests that aqueous leaf extract effectively improved low hemoglobin levels in women (8-12 g/dL), and another study found that platelet counts improved. Moringa is beneficial for people with anemia.

Dr. Robert Young (biologist) always says that health starts with healthy blood.

See review with various studies for blood protective activities. See research

This is another review with several studies for blood protective activities. See research

15-Anti-obesity and diabetes

Moringa can lower blood glucose. Moringa can reduce all abnormal parameters associated with obesity and diabetes to normal levels.

See review with various studies for Anti-obesity and diabetes. See research

This is another review with various studies for Anti-obesity and diabetes. See research

This is a 2011 report from India that includes various studies over the years. They show several studies demonstrating that moringa has anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects.

See extensive research below in PDF (See page 19)

16-Anti-allergic activity

The ethanolic seed extract reduced histamine release and also suppressed anaphylaxis induced by anti-immunoglobulin G. See review with various studies for anti-allergic effects. See research

17-Anti-asthma effects

Seed extract demonstrated protection against asthma in various models. This was primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and inhibition of the immediate hypersensitivity reaction.

See study 1

See study 2 below in PDF

Ethanol extract from seeds tested against ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in guinea pigs showed a significant increase in respiratory parameters and a reduction in interleukins in bronchoalveolar lavage. See study

18-Anti-snake venom

The leaves of the plant extract have been shown to be effective against the venom of Naja Nigricollis (a species of snake) in rats. This snake's venom contains potent neurotoxins that cause the breakdown of phospholipids in the plasma membrane, disrupting normal neurotransmission and causing hemolysis and bleeding.

The results showed that Moringa extract effectively cured acute anemia , and a remarkable increase in micronuclear polychromatic erythrocytes was observed in rats treated with M. oleifera.

Risk factors

We all know Moringa is a nutritional miracle tree, but there are a few things to be aware of. Conventional medications aren't truly natural, and combining them with a powerful herb can cause side effects.

1. For pregnant women: Although Moringa leaves alone are sufficient to meet daily iron and calcium needs, they may have anti-fertility properties in some cases. Moringa can promote fertility, but if you become pregnant again, it can also promote abortion.

2-For Thyroid Treatment: Although Moringa leaves support thyroid function, it may cause problems during treatment with other thyroid medications .

3-For diabetes medications: Although Moringa leaves are effective in lowering blood sugar levels, it can cause low blood sugar in some cases.

4-For blood pressure medications: Although Moringa is used to lower blood pressure, taking Moringa along with medications that lower blood pressure may result in blood pressure that is too low