Moringa powder: uses and nutritional benefits

• Hair growth : a scientific study evaluated the effect of Moringa powder on hair. The latter observed an increase in the number of follicles in the anagen phase (growth phase) in the group of individuals tested with Moringa powder. Moringa powder is said to have an activity in promoting hair growth.

• Antioxidant (vitamin E, polyphenol, beta-carotene): several scientific studies claim that Moringa powder fights against oxidation. A study evaluates the ORAC score of Moringa powder at 8360 µmol ET/100 g, and the FRAP score at 59.32 µmol Fe2+eq/g. These two scores are synonymous with strong antioxidant activity. Moringa powder would act simultaneously on free radicals by providing antioxidant compounds (beta-carotene, vitamin E, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, gallic acid), also by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely catalases, superoxide dismutases and glutathione peroxidases.

• Neuroprotective : through its antioxidant power, a scientific study indicates that Moringa powder protected neurons from the harmful effects of free radicals. Moringa powder prevents neuronal dysfunctions. This study concludes on the encouraging potential of Moringa powder for the protection of neurons and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

• Anti-inflammatory : Moringa powder contains many bioactives that may be involved in the anti-inflammatory process. Among them, flavonoids such as quercetin were able to inhibit the activation of NF-kB, and NF-kB-dependent downstream events. Nk-kB is a protein naturally present in cells. It is produced in response to stress-related stimuli. A dysregulation of the latter would be associated with certain inflammatory diseases.

• Antibacterial : Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, phenolic acid and other phytochemicals have been identified as the most powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant. An in vitro study observed an inhibition of the growth of certain bacteria (Bacillus subtili and Salmonella typhi) when brought into contact with Moringa leaf powder. This same study states that Moringa stem powder still has better effectiveness.

• Hypolipidemic (fiber): scientific animal studies have observed a reduction in serum levels of triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-cholesterol) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol). This general hypolipidemic power is explained by the high fiber content. Fiber captures lipids before they are absorbed.

• Contributes to energy metabolism (carbohydrates, lipids): Moringa powder is an energy vector. The latter is mainly provided by carbohydrates and also in a smaller proportion by lipids.

• Regulates blood sugar (fiber, protein): Moringa powder shows hypoglycemic effects. Several animal studies indicate improved glucose tolerance and a reduction in fasting blood sugar. This hypoglycemic potential was analyzed in vitro. In vitro experiments provided evidence that Moringa powder inhibits the activity of pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal alpha-glucosidase (two carbohydrate metabolism enzymes). This effect reduces the absorption of glucose, helping the body regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, Moringa powder is rich in fiber and protein. These macronutrients reduce the glycemic index of Moringa, stabilizing blood sugar levels after the meal.

• Hepatoprotector : in animals treated with Moringa powder, scientists observed a decrease in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (markers of liver function). These results were confirmed by histological examinations, which revealed improvement in drug-induced liver and kidney damage. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate its effectiveness in humans.

• Nephroprotector : the same scientific study evaluating the effects on liver protection of Moringa powder also affirmed that Moringa powder protects the kidneys. Indeed, animals supplemented with Moringa powder had less damaged kidneys and a drop in serum levels of urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (two markers of kidney function). As for its hepatoprotective potential, additional studies are essential to truly ensure this property in humans.

• Tissue growth (vitamin A): Moringa powder is rich in vitamin A. The vitamin plays a role in the cell specialization process. This means that vitamin A promotes cell synthesis, its action will be visible on all systems of the body: immune, digestive, nervous, skeletal...

• Immunomodulating (vitamin A): due to its richness in vitamin A, Moringa powder stimulates the production of immune cells. Indeed, vitamin A acts on genetic regulation in general, which includes immune cells.

• Skin regenerating (vitamin A): due to the high concentration of vitamin A in Moringa powder, it contributes to the renewal of mucous membranes and skin.

• Laxative (fiber): Moringa powder is rich in fiber. Fiber is not digested and absorbed by the body. They will therefore be directly eliminated through the stools. In addition, they behave like sponges and swell in the presence of water. All of this increases the total volume of stools, which accelerates digestive transit.

• Hemostatic (vitamin K): Moringa powder is extremely rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K has an essential function in the coagulation process: it is involved in the maturation of coagulation factors.

• Contributing to normal vision (vitamin A): rich in vitamin A, Moringa powder helps maintain vision. Vitamin A is nicknamed the "vision vitamin", it supports the synthesis, protection and functioning of various components of the eyes.

Moringa is a perennial tree, the most cultivated of the Moringaceae family. Originally from India, in the valleys south of the Himalayas, Moringa has spread and acclimatized in all tropical and subtropical regions. It is therefore found in South America, Africa, northeast India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Moringa is also called "the tree that never dies", because it demonstrates great ecological plasticity. It can grow on both rich and poor soil. It is little affected by drought or heavy rainfall. The altitude doesn't seem to worry him anymore either. In addition, it grows quickly, it can grow up to 7 m in one year.

Its trunk measures on average 30 cm in diameter, it is straight and poorly developed (3 m maximum height). The branches form a parasol and extend much further. The leaves are alternate, bi or tripinnate and develop only on the terminal part of the branches. Young leaves are covered with gray down, which they lose as they grow. The flowers are cream colored, numerous and give off a pleasant scent. The fruit is a three-lobed pod. When the pods are dry, they open to release the seeds. Each pod contains 12 to 35 seeds. The seeds are round and have a brown shell. A tree can produce 15,000 to 25,000 seeds per year.

Moringa is considered one of the most useful trees in the world, as almost all parts of the tree can be used for food, medicine and industrial purposes. Moreover, the leaves, flowers and green pods are common vegetables in producing countries. It is even estimated that it could fight against malnutrition and strengthen food security in disadvantaged regions. Moringa has various nicknames like "Morunga", "White Acacia", "Horseradish", "Winged Moringa", etc. It is even mentioned under the name "Shigon" in the Sushruta Samhita (a treatise on medicine and surgery founding of Ayurvedic medicine, its creation is estimated to be in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD). This mention also indicates that Moringa has been cultivated by humans for millennia.

Although Moringa is not very demanding regarding its climatic conditions, it seems that these conditions vary the nutritional composition of Moringa leaves. One study analyzed the nutritional composition of Moringa leaves from Africa and another from India. It would appear that the Moringa leaves from Africa were less “nutritious” as Moringa leaves from India. Researchers believe that high temperatures in Africa denature nutritional components, which could explain nutritional differences.