Moringa oleifera is a tree with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also known as the drumstick tree, the miracle tree, the ben oil tree, or the horseradish tree, people have used moringa for centuries due to its health benefits.
Research involving animals has suggested moringa seed oil may help heal skin wounds more quickly. One way it might do this is by reducing oxidative stress.
Moringa seed oil may also have benefits for hair health, according to some expertsTrusted Source.
However, more studies are needed, especially those involving humans.
Edema is when fluid builds up in body tissues, for instance, because of inflammation. Ear edema can cause tissue swelling around the ear, usually because of an infection.
In one study, applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema. This suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, although more research is needed.
Moringa might help protect the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
In one study, researchersTrusted Source fed guinea pigs a diet containing moringa leaves. Those that consumed a higher concentration of moringa had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and less inflammation in their liver.
Moringa contains properties that might help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
According to some scientistsTrusted Source, extracts of moringa leaf, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells. If further research confirms this, they could prove useful in treating breast, liver, colorectal, and other cancers.
Moringa extracts might help treat some stomach disorders.
For instance:
Moringa contains substances that may act against some foodborne pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), researchTrusted Source suggests.
S. aureus may be presentTrusted Source in sliced meats, sandwiches, and other foods not cooked between handling and eating, while E.coli can passTrusted Source through contaminated water or food. Both types of bacteria can cause diarrhea and other symptoms of food poisoning.
Moringa extract has anti-inflammatory properties that might help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, according to the authors of a rodent study.
The antioxidant activity of moringa may protect against disorders that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, neuropathic pain, and depression.
Scientists believe it may have neuroprotective properties, but they have not yet identified how they work.
Moringa containsTrusted Source a range of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, such as quercetin, which may help protect cardiovascular health. Quercetin may help prevent lipid formation and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease.
Moringa may also have cholesterol-lowering properties.
Extracts of moringa leaves may benefit people with diabetes, such as assisting with managing blood sugar and insulin levels and protecting against organ damage. Its properties could help prevent complications and slow disease progression.
More studies are needed to identify how moringa could help manage diabetes.
Moringa contains molecules that may help manage or prevent asthma, bronchial constrictions, and airway inflammation. One study found that the lung function of guinea pigs improved after researchers gave them a moringa extract.
Some traditional remedies recommend taking moringa to prevent kidney stones.
Laboratory tests have found evidence that moringa extracts may stop minerals from building up and causing stones in the kidneys.
However, more research is needed to support this use.
Moringa contains substances that may help manage blood pressure.
In one study, a group of healthy participants consumed 120 grams of cooked moringa leaves for a week, while another group did not.
Two hours after eating, those who consumed moringa had lower blood pressure than those who did not.
Moringa containsTrusted Source the antioxidant beta carotene, which is essentialTrusted Source for maintaining eye health and preventing eye diseases.
People in some parts of the world have traditionally used moringa to treat and prevent anemia.
Results from laboratory tests have suggested that taking moringa as food or medication could also help manage sickle cell disease.
This is due to its antioxidant properties, its chelating activity — which means it can help remove excess iron — and other factors.
Possible benefits for people with obesity includeTrusted Source:
Moringa appears to have few or no side effects. However, anyone considering using moringa should discuss it with a doctor, as it may interact with other medications.
People should always read the label on the extract and follow dosage instructions.