(NaturalHealth365)  Chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States.  To illustrate this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that an astonishing 51 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with at least one chronic illness, and 25 percent are affected by two or more.  But, more importantly, let’s focus on solutions.

While no single intervention or strategy can be considered a “magic bullet” against these debilitating conditions, researchers are searching to identify natural substances that may help protect against them.  Now, a graceful-looking Asian tree is being recognized for its potential in this area.  A new review published in the International Journal of Molecular Science attests to the impressive variety of benefits offered by moringa leaves.  Read on to discover why moringa has been cherished in traditional healing systems (where it is referred to as both the “miracle tree” and the “tree of life”) and how it contributes up-to-the-minute health benefits in the 21st century.

Scientists describe the medicinal value of moringa leaves as “immense”

For centuries, moringa has been used in African and Indian folk medicine to treat a variety of ills, including malnutrition, inflammation, wounds, diabetes, cancer, and high blood pressure.  To conduct the new review, the authors scanned an array of scientific databases to find recent relevant studies on moringa.  They concluded that the potential of moringa to promote health was “immense.”

In addition to offering outstanding nutrition through their vitamins, minerals, fiber, and carotenoids, moringa leaves are packed with over 100 different bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, phenolic acids, isothiocyanates, tannins, and saponins.  The review authors credited moringa with a dizzyingly long list of beneficial effects, including anticancer, antimicrobial, heart-protective, liver-protective, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.  The list of diseases moringa is thought to protect against is also extensive – and includes heart disease, diabetes, cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and infections.

“Goodies” in nourishing moringa leaves include beneficial antioxidants

Moringa leaves are crammed with important essential vitamins – including vitamin A, which can help to prevent night blindness and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.  In addition, each 100-gram serving of moringa leaves contains 200 mg of antioxidant vitamin C – more than double the recommended daily allowance for adults.

Moringa leaves also contain as much antioxidant vitamin E, gram for gram, as nuts do.  Finally, they are packed with antioxidant flavonoids – particularly myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol – which can scavenge free radicals and help prevent oxidative damage that can trigger heart disease and cancer.

Moringa leaves offer a many-layered defense against killer diseases

When it comes to protecting against disease, moringa could be said to have a “deep bench.”  For example, moringa leaves are rich in isothiocyanates – the same “good guy” compounds that are found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous veggies.  Isothiocyanates have been shown to reduce insulin resistance, thereby discouraging the development of type 2 diabetes.  The authors noted that a study of postmenopausal women published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that 1.5 teaspoons (about 7 grams) of powdered moringa leaves for 90 days reduced fasting blood sugar levels by a substantial 13.5 percent.

Moringa leaves also contain chlorogenic acid, which is thought to regulate blood sugar.  When it comes to promoting heart health, moringa doesn’t miss a beat there either.  Quercetin in moringa leaves can reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines, while moringa compounds called saponins can bind to cholesterol and hasten its excretion from the body, thereby lowering levels in the blood.  Animal studies have shown that moringa leaves reduce inflammatory markers and liver enzymes, allowing them to alleviate symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

And there’s more good news.  While more human studies are needed, preliminary research on moringa helps to shine a light on its potential to fight cancer cells through multiple actions.  A recent review published in Antioxidants showed that moringa leaves inhibit the growth and proliferation of human cancer cells, particularly those involving leukemia and cancers of the liver, breast, and pancreas.  Again, isothiocyanates are thought to play a major role in this anticancer effect, along with a compound in moringa known as niazimin.  Finally, moringa is believed to hold promise against the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  Moringa extracts deliver nootropic effects – meaning they can support memory processing and cognition and protect against oxidative stress in the brain.

“Leaf to root” benefits: All parts of the moringa tree have therapeutic effects

Moringa is available in powdered form as a supplement and can also be found in tea.  To avoid possible contamination with heavy metals, look for Moringa oleifera from a reputable vendor.  Moringa powder should be bright green – as yellow or brown powder could attest to improper drying practices.

While many studies focus on the therapeutic benefits of moringa leaves, the bark, roots, flowers, and seeds contain bioactive compounds as well.  In fact, some holistic practitioners advise topical application of moringa seed oil to ease inflammation, speed wound healing, and even combat wrinkles and signs of aging.

Significantly, a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition revealed that moringa compounds can help preserve the body’s stores of skin-protecting elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, thereby reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  (It’s not too far-fetched to suggest that moringa seed oil has anti-aging effects!)  Naturally, consult your holistic healthcare provider before trying moringa supplements or moringa seed oil.

Isn’t it time you found out for yourself what the “miracle tree” can do for you?

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Mdpi.com
Link.springer.com
Healthline.com
Frontiersin.org
Forbes.com
CDC.gov