2023-10-19 00:33:10
In some Asian and African countries, the leaves and fruit pods of the moringa tree are common cooking ingredients. Because the pungent taste of the leaves is reminiscent of horseradish, Moringa oleifera, as the tree is scientifically called, is also called the horseradish tree.
We process Moringa leaves into powder and sell them as dietary supplements – supposedly with health-promoting effects. Moringa is said to help with numerous health problems: from diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels to allergies, rheumatism pain and cancer. We checked what evidence there is for this.
Not likely to lower blood sugar if you have pre-diabetes
During our extensive research, we found two relevant studies [1,2] found on diabetes. Both point towards the ineffectiveness of Moringa.
In one of the studies [1] those affected with a preliminary stage of diabetes took part. The research team behind the study tries to present the results positively. However, our mathematical review of the study results argues once morest the idea that Moringa can permanently lower blood sugar levels.
The second study [2] In people with diagnosed diabetes, there is also no evidence of a reduction in blood sugar levels.
However, both studies have major deficiencies and are therefore only of limited significance. It is therefore not well established that moringa is ineffective in lowering blood sugar levels. For more information see section “The studies in detail“.
Lack of evidence for other health claims
We found no studies on other health problems or illnesses that might prove that Moringa is effective. However, without scientific evidence, the numerous health claims are made out of thin air – be it regarding lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, pain, allergies or even cancer.
Side effects cannot be ruled out at high doses
Just one of the studies [1] examined side effects – and found none. However, the study is only of limited significance.
However, it is unlikely that small amounts of Moringa will harm your health. After all, leaves and unripe fruit pods are part of the cuisine of many countries. For countries with frequent malnutrition, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) even recommends moringa as a supplement to the diet. The reason is that fruit pods and leaves of the moringa tree contain many nutrients.
However, with large quantities, side effects cannot be ruled out. Individual animal studies have shown evidence of problems during pregnancy – even if these cannot easily be transferred to humans. The bark and ripe seeds of the moringa tree might also be hazardous to health in large quantities [3].
Nutritional supplementation in HIV treatment in Africa
In many African countries it is difficult for the population to seek medical treatment. In addition, many in these countries are affected by malnutrition. People who are infected with HIV there therefore have worse health conditions than here. Some experts therefore hope that dietary supplementation with Moringa will help – in addition to medications that suppress the HIV virus (HIV).
According to previous studies [4-6] The quality of life and health status of HIV-infected people in poor conditions might actually improve somewhat if they took Moringa powder in addition to virus-suppressing medication. However, this is not well established because the studies have only limited significance due to deficiencies.
Since nutrition and medical care are significantly better in this country, the study results cannot be transferred to Austria or other western countries. There is therefore no evidence that moringa improves the health of people infected with HIV even if they do not suffer from malnutrition or other untreated health problems.
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