Moringa Oleifera: The Miracle Tree Natasha Adams, Valerie Alaimo, Brian Douglas, Diane Luce DFM 655

The Tree of Many Names Arbol de Perlas The drumstick tree The horseradish tree (isothiocyanate) Marengo, Mlonge, Maluungay, Kelor Sohajna Shagara al Rauwaq (“tree for purifying”) Benzolive tree The Miracle Tree: because every part of the plant can be used medicinally. *isothiocyanate gives bitter, sulfury taste, hence the name horseradish tree

History Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians used Ben oil for perfume, skin lotion, protection from the elements Egyptians ate leaves and used seeds to purify water Found in the tomb of Maiherperi in the Valley of the Kings (1427-1392 BC) Brought to West Indies in 1800’s; used as smokeless lamp oil and for salads

Traditional Uses India: anemia, anxiety, asthma, blood impurities, bronchitis, cholera, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, GI disorders, ear infections, diarrhea, hypertension, headache, arthritis, scurvy, TB, sore throat, psoriasis, liver disease. Malaysia and Puerto Rico: intestinal worms Philippines: Anemia, glandular swelling, food Guatemala: skin infections and sores Ayurvedic Medecine: thought to cure over 300 diseases. In sub-Saharan Africa, flowers and seeds are used to treat tumors and remove bacteria. Leaves are eaten fresh or dried (crushed into a powder). Medicinal uses: used to treat tumors, headaches and sores. Also used as a body cleanser and as medicine to lower high cholesterol.

Protein Powerhouse The flowers, leaves, seeds and pods can be eaten in curries, stews, salads or made into tea or powder. The flowers and leaves contain all of the essential amino acids The plant also contains antioxidants, plant esters, beneficial fatty acids and pterogospermin; a powerful antibacterial

Phytochemicals Quercetin: found in roots and flowers Kaempherol: lowers cholesterol Vitamins A,B,C,E Zeatin: also found in corn Caffeoylquinic acid: also found in artichoke leaves and green propolis. Flu Fighter? Anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, hypostensive, may reduce atherosclerosis, prostate swelling, carcinogenesis

Phytochemicals Beta-Sitosterol: plant ester known to help reduce blood pressure Highly concentrated in leaves which can be dried and crushed into powder or eaten raw/stewed in curry, salad, soup or tea

Seeds Ben Oil: High Oleic Acid, three types of Vit E, used for hair care, skin care and machine lubricant Anti-microbial. Effective v. S. Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeriginosus Can be toasted or eaten green like peas

Water Treatment Women in Sudan use seedcakes to treat Nile River water Reduces turbidity 92-98%!! RNA protein inside seed flocculates gram+/- bacteria & inhibit bacterial growth Amino acids inside seed bind to metals like Cd Traditional belief that alum causes GI distress and Alzheimer’s.

Modern Uses for Moringa Got a snakebite? (Philippines) How about leprosy?(India) Suffer from hysteria?(Puerto Rico)

Can Moringa cure Malnutrition?

Modern Uses For Moringa Backed by Evidence Combats malnutrition for millions Bridges gap in regions of scarcity Nutrient deficiencies among children/pregnant and nursing mothers Increases lactation Supplements intake of vitamins A, B, C, E, iron, calcium and protein Increases intake of antioxidants Eaten as fresh leaves or as dried powder Clinics dispense in rural areas of Africa, Senegal, Somalia, Kenya

Evidence continued…. Higher infant and early childhood mortality rates in developing countries, especially arid regions Moringa helping turn the tide in rural communities Children benefit most Higher birth rates, improved health outcomes Improves learning, bone structure, vision, vitality Decreases incidents of anemia Sources • Birman, D. (2010). Alternatives Uncovered. Traditional Plants and Medicines: Moringa. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2cYu1aiGbw • Fahey, J. W. (2005). Moringa Oleifera: A Review of the Medical Evidence for its Nutritional, Therapeutic, and Prophylactic Properties. Trees for Life Journal, 1:5

Antisickling Properties Nigeria: 2012 Extracts of seed and flower Dosage 20 mg/ml Significant reversal of sickled erythrocytes 24 million Nigerians are carriers of Sickled Cell gene 2.4 million have Sickled Cell Disease

Antidiarrheal Properties India, 2011 Study involved mice Efficacy of Moringa was compared to Loperamide (Imodium) Dosage 500 mg/k had significant results Magnesium Sulfate induced diarrhea Moringa 90% vs 91% protection Loperamide

Chemopreventive Properties by Reducing Tumor Multiplicity India, 2003 Moringa oleifera drumsticks (fruit) Study involved mice Dosage: 125 m/k significant increase hepatic cytochrome levels Dosage 250 mg/k reduced Tumor replication to .75 per mouse vs 5.17 in control group Hypothesized that indol-3-carbanol reduces cancer incidence

Antibacterial Properties Against Dental Plaque Bacteria Growth India, 2011 Oral bacteria cause caries, periodontal disease, and serious pathogenic potential Dosage 100 – 500 mg/ml Testing in Vitro Significant Antibacterial Inhibition against growth a variety of Gram-positive oral bacteria, including S. mutans, S. aureus,

Antimicrobial & Antifungal Properties as Phytomedicine India, 2011 Moringa oleifera seed and leaf Dosage 15 mg/ml and 50-100 ul/dish In vitro agar medium Inhibits bacterial strains: Staph a, Vibrio cholera, E coli, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus subtilis, Fusariam solani Inhibits fungal strains: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp, and Mucor sp.

The Science University of Calcutta, India: Studied the effects of Moringa leaf extract preventing early liver injury and restoring antioxidant levels in mice fed a high-fat diet Results indicated that Moringa has both preventative and curative properties University of Ghana (2011): Studied toxicity potentials of Moringa leaf extract powder given to rats at supra-supplementation levels Found that levels of 3,000mg/kg body weight is genotoxic and levels of <1,000mg/kg body weight are safe

Negative Side Effects Leaves and Stems contain B-sitosterol: can cause some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, or constipation Flowers contain Quercetin: has been safely used in doses of <500mg, twice/day for 12 weeks. Long-term, High-dose still needs more research. Safely used to promote breast milk production Bark and Stem can cause uterine contractions and chemicals in the root cause fertilized egg not to be able to attach to the lining of the uterine wall. Used as a permanent birth control in some areas on India

21Century Science Supports Thousands of Years of Folklore Peer-Reviewed Research Beginning to Validate Centuries of Ayurvedic Practices Complementary & Alternative Medicine Health Benefits Recognized – Especially Antibiotic Non-Peer Reviewed Research Would Benefit From Rigorous Scientific Evaluation & Placebo Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trials Problem: Herbal Supplements Not Regulated

In Conclusion: Moringa Oleifera has enormous potential as a nutriceutical and functional food It could help to alleviate the problems caused by food insecurity and non-potable water More research is necessary