Moringa oleifera: The Future of Health

Village Volunteers
Juliana Silver

Natural History

The genus Moringa is indigenous to several countries. These countries include Madagascar,
Namibia, SW Angola, Kenya, Ethiopia, Red Sea, Horn of Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
and Afghanistan in the northwestern region of the Himalayans (Fahey, 2005).

List of Countries and indigenous species:

Kenya: M. arborea, M. borziana, M. longituba, M. rivae, M. stenopetala
Somalia: M. borziana, M. longituba, M. pygmaea.
Ethiopia: M. longituba, M. rivae, M. ruspoliana, M. stenopetala.
Madagascar: drouhardii, M. hildebrandtii.
Namibia: M. ovalifolia.
Angola: M. ovalifolia.
India: M. concanensis, M. oleifera.
Red sea and Horn of Africa: M. peregrina.

Map showing Moringa species per country

Image source: http://www.mobot.org/gradstudents/olson/moringahome.html
Moringa typically grows in semi-dry, desert or tropical soil which is why it grows well in many
countries that normally have dry soils. There are about thirteen different known species of
Moringa, of which Moringa oleifera is the most studied and used. M. oleifera are native only to
India and they are now widely distributed to many other tropical parts of the world such as
Egypt, The Philippines, Kenya, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Haiti, Nicaragua, Ethiopia and
many other countries with the type of soil in which Moringa thrives. Moringa can grow with very
little moisture because its roots can store moisture for prolonged periods of time.

Nutritional Values of Moringa

Moringa tree contains many nutrients such as essential vitamins, essential minerals, amino
acids, beta-carotene, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory nutrients, phytochemicals and it also
contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (Kasolo NJ et al).

The leaves are highly nutritious, being a significant source of beta-carotene, Vitamin C, protein,
iron, and potassium. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach. In addition to being used
fresh as a substitute for greens, its leaves are commonly dried and crushed into a powder, and
used in soups and sauces. The tree is a good source for calcium and phosphorus.

Moringa leaves and pods are helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding months. One
tablespoon of leaf powder can provide 14% of the protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of the iron
and most of the vitamin A needs of a child aged one to three. Six tablespoons of leaf powder will
provide nearly all of the woman's daily iron and calcium needs during pregnancy and
breastfeeding. The moringa seeds yield 38–40% edible oil. The refined oil is clear, odorless,
and resists rancidity at least as well as any other botanical oil. The seed cake remaining after oil
extraction may be used as a fertilizer or as a flocculent that forms the particles into a solid to
purify water. The bark, sap, roots, leaves, seeds, oil, and flowers are used in traditional
medicine in several countries. The sap is used for a blue dye.

The nutrients are very important for health and vitality. Because M. oleifera contains so many
essential nutrients, virtually all the different parts of the tree are being used by locals in different
countries for a variety of nutritional, medicinal, and purification purposes. It is advisable not to
consume the root since researchers have determined that the root is toxic and contains
chemicals that can paralyze nerves.

M. oleifera is sometimes referred to as the “Tree of Life” because of its potential to help with
malnutrition around the world. This species is also recognized by other names in different
cultures. Here are some examples of names that M. oleifera is known as in different countries:
Zingeridende (Ghana), Odudu oyibo (Nigeria), Moltong (Indonesia) Drumstick tree (U.K.), Sajna
(India), Malunggay (Philippines), Mlonge, Mkimbo, (Kenya), and Nebeday (Senegal). It is also
identified as horseradish, drumstick, or ben oil tree (Stephenson KK et. Al).

Information specific to malnutrition

Moringa trees have been used to combat malnutrition, especially among infants and nursing
mothers. Three non-governmental organizations in particular have advocated Moringa as
"natural nutrition for the tropics." Leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked, or stored as dried powder
for many months without refrigeration, and reportedly without loss of nutritional value. Moringa is
especially promising as a food source in the tropics because the tree is in full leaf at the end of
the dry season when other foods are typically scarce.
A large number of reports on the nutritional qualities of Moringa now exist in both the scientific
and the popular literature. It is commonly said that Moringa leaves contain more Vitamin A than
carrots, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than oranges, and
more potassium than bananas,” and that the protein quality of Moringa leaves rivals that of milk
and eggs. The oral histories recorded by Lowell Fuglie in Senegal and throughout West Africa
report countless instances of lifesaving nutritional rescue that are attributed to Moringa. In fact,
the nutritional properties of Moringa are now so well-known that there seems to be little doubt of
the substantial health benefit to be realized by consumption of Moringa leaf powder in situations
where starvation is imminent. Nonetheless, the outcomes of well-controlled and well-
documented clinical studies would still be clearly of great value.

Medicinal use of Moringa

In a research done by Kasolo JN et al, M. oleifera was found to contain Phytochemicals which
are non-nutritive chemicals that plants produce as a self defense mechanism. Phytochemicals
present in M oleifera include catechol tannins, Gallic tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, flavonoids,
saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids and reducing sugars (Kasolo JN et al). These
phytochemicals have been researched and are known to have medicinal values for humans
such as detoxification and purification of water, antibiotics, skin treatment, anti-inflammatory,
ulcers, blood pressure, diabetes, anemia and many other uses. The presence of this chemical
indicates the possible healing properties of this species leaves and other parts of its tree.
Locals in countries where M. oleifera grows know and understand the healing abilities of this
plant (Kasolo JN et al). Here are some examples of local uses of Moringa:

Some local uses of Moringa

• The juice from the leaf is mixed with • In India and Senegal the gum of
honey followed by a drink of coconut Moringa is used to treat fevers,
milk 2 to 3 times a day to help cure dysentery and asthma.
diarrhea, dysentery and colitis in • The gum is used for dental decay in
India and Senegal. India.
• Leaves are applied to sores and skin • In Aruba, the paste of crush seeds is
infection and they are also used to cure warts.
prescribed to cure anemia in • Powdered Morinaga oleifera leaves
Senegal. are sprinkled on children’s food in
• Leaves are also used for skin Senegal to help combat malnutrition.
treatments to cure cuts, scrapes,
sores, rashes and signs of aging.
• It is used to help with anxiety and
sleeplessness.
 How to plant Moringa

Moringa can be planted by using the stem or by planting the seeds.

Image of Moringa garden

Image by Gorav Seth, flicker photo:

How to plant Moringa from the stem

The stem cut from branches of Moringa after each season can be used to plant new tress.

• Make a cutting at least 1" (2.5cm) in diameter and at least six feet (1.8m) long.
• Dig a hole 3 ft. (1m) x 3 ft. (1m) and 3 ft. (1m) deep.
• Place cutting in this hole and fill with a mixture of soil, sand and composted manure if
desired. Pack firmly around base of the cutting. Form a slight dome or cone shape,
sloping down away from the cutting. It is desirable that water not touch the stem of the
new tree.
• Water generously, but do not drown the cutting in water.

Moringa oleifera can also be planted directly in the ground instead of transplanting it. Its seeds
can be planted as soon as they are mature- the seeds are mature when they are completely
dry. This process of planting M. oleifera seeds directly in its permanent location is preferred
since its stems are very fragile and can be easily destroyed in the process of transplanting
them.
 Steps in Planting Moringa from seeds:

1. Choose an area with plenty of sun light and appropriate soil that does not accumulate
water.
2. Dig holes 1 ft (30 cm) square and 1 ft deep. Back-fill the holes with loose soil. Moringa
can grow in poor soils but compost or manure can be added to the soil by choice.
3. Plant 3 to 5 seeds in each hole, 2 in. (5 cm) apart. Plant the seeds no deeper than three
times the width of the seed (approximately ½ in. or 1.5 cm).
4. Keep the soil moist enough so that the top soil will not dry and choke the emerging plant.
At the same time do not over saturate the soil to prevent the seeds from getting spoiled.
5. When the plants are four to six inches tall, keep the healthiest sapling in the ground and
remove the rest. Termites and nematodes can kill a young sapling. Take measures to
protect saplings from these two dangers.

Why use Moringa leaf powder

Moringa leaf powder has a high nutritional value, and is easy to make, easy to store and easy to
use. It can be used as a beverage additive and for sprinkling on food. It can also be used for
making tea.

How to make M. oleifera leaf powder

• Harvest some leaves from the Moringa tree

• Allow the leaves to air dry (when drying, do not place leaves in
direct sunlight so that the vitamins on the leaves does not get
depleted)
• After the leaves have dried, rub the leaves over a container until
the leaves particles are very small.

Studies have shown that M. oleifera can be used as an absorbent to

remove Pb(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Ag(I) from water. Using M.
oleifera to purify water cost less and it is highly efficient (Sharma P,
et al).
 How to make Moringa seed powder and how to purify water with Moringa

• Obtain Moringa oleifera seed (mature dry seeds), peel

them and grind the inner seeds into a powder.
• Pour the powder into the water you want to be
purified.
• Stir the water, then allow the water to rest for a few
minutes
• Chemicals and dirt will rest at the bottom of the
container (in a semi-solid form)
• Use the water from the top of the container
• Use 30 to 300 milligrams of Moringa powder for every
one liter of water to be purified.

Image by Forest & Kim Starr Creative Commons

Photo comparing purification effects of Moringa

Image source:
http://www.goodwaterfund.org/resources/MoringaTreatedWater1.jpg

How to make tea from the M. oleifera flower

• Boil some water, then drop a few clusters of flowers in to the boiled water
• Allow this mixture to steep for about 5 minutes
• Add honey or sugar to taste.
 Photo of M. oleifera flower

Image by jemasmth flicker photos

Cooking Recipes with M. oleifera

This recipe was obtained from Moringa Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Basic Moringa leaf sauce

2 cup fresh Moringa oleifera leaves
1 cup water
Chopped onions
Salt and Butter
Wash the leaves and steam them for a few minutes in water. Add chopped onions, salt, butter
and any other season according to tastes.

The following recipes and more can be found at

http://www.miracletrees.org/moringarecipes.html

SAUTED PIGEON PEA OR CONGO PEA,

PAPAYA, MORINGA AND WINGED BEAN CORN WITH MORINGA LEAVES
WITH LIVER
Moringa Recipes Page 7
Ingredients: Ingredients:
1-1/4 c. pigeon or Congo peas 1/2 c. liver 2 c. grated young corn 1 small sponge
3 quarts water 3 T. salt gourd (luffa)
3/4 c. cooking oil 2 c. water 2 cloves garlic 1 c. moringa
4 segments garlic 1-3/4 c. winged bean 1 head onion 1-1/2 Accent or MSG
1-1/4 c. tomatoes 2 c. Moringa leaves 3 c. water salt to taste
Preparation: Boil peas until cooked. Set Preparation: Sauté garlic and onion in
aside. Sauté garlic, onion and tomatoes. medium fry pan. Add water and let it boil.
Add liver. Cover and cook Then add the corn, stirring
until liver is tender. Season. Add water. Add often to avoid burning. When cooked, add
winged bean and papaya. Cover and cook the gourd and moringa.
10 minutes. Add
cooked peas and moringa leaves. Serve
hot.
Conservation and Ecological Aspects of M. oleifera

Although Moringa oleifera holds much promise in helping to alleviate hunger and malnutrition
around the world, most of the thirteen species of Moringa are under threat in the northwestern
part of the Red Sea due to severe drought and over exploitation of its roots (Stephenson KK, et
al). Researchers and conservationists are working towards preventing the genus of Moringa
from extinction especially since it contains so many needed nutrients. Since researchers have
been focused on the nutritive values of M. oleifera, there is very little documentation or research
done on the impact of introducing Moringa oleifera in a non-native land. Moringa oleifera is
spread by its seed but since its seeds are in a shell it is well contained and can generally are
spread by humans. M. oleifera modified root system enables it to thrive in semi- dry conditions.
Since M. oleifera is drought resistant it may not be affected by global warming but on the other
hand, no research was observed that indicated whether this tree will be affected by
oversaturation or cold weather.

There is little research assessing competition between M. oleifera and other local species;
therefore, it is always great practice to consider its potential effects on native plants before
proceeding to plant it. Choosing an area to plant and grow M. oleifera that will allow the plant
to grow without possibly interfering with the growth of native plants might be a successful
approach when planting Moringa oleifera in its non-native environment. Since most plants tend
to have other organisms that depend on the plants for nourishment, it’s possible that M. oleifera
contains other organisms on it that may become pests in a non native land. Therefore, it is
necessary to consider pests that may unintentionally be passed on to another country and
damage local crops and soils simply because of the introduction of non native M. oleifera
species. Also, M. oleifera has been known to have nitrogen fixing capabilities which can be
good if nitrogen fixing is done in moderation. On the other hand, if nitrogen fixing is done in
excess, soils can be depleted and native crops and plants will not survive.

Based on the information collected during this research, Moringa oleifera shows great potential
in helping with hunger and malnutrition around the world.

References
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Two Regions in Abuja, Nigeria". International Journal of Agriculture and Biology
(1560-8530), 12 (3), p. 431

2. Sharma P, Kumari P, Srivastava MM, et al. Ternary biosorption studies of Cd(II), Cr(III) and
Ni(II) on shelled Moringa oleifera seeds
Source: BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY Volume: 98 Issue: 2 Pages: 474-477
Published: JAN 2007

3. Stephenson KK, Fahey JW (2004). Development of tissue culture methods for the rescue
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