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Leaves of Moringa oleifera: What do they contain and how can they be used?
October 12, 2023
Moringa oleifera is a tree with countless nutritional and phytotherapeutic properties that are manifested in almost all its parts, from the bark to the pods, from the fruits to the flowers, and of course the leaves.
Rich in nutrients, the leaves are an important source of nutrition for populations in developing countries, while also lending themselves to various uses, including the production of nutritional supplements.
Moringa and Ayurveda: Over 300 therapeutic applications
Originally from northwest India, Moringa plays a prominent role in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine.
According to Ayurvedic tradition, raw Moringa leaves made into a paste can relieve the symptoms of balanitis and soothe burns and inflammation (1).
Ayurveda also uses other parts of Moringa: the seed oil as an anti-inflammatory and remedy for arthritis, seed powder for Nasya Karma (nasal administration).
Ayurvedic medicine also attributes cardiogenic properties to moringa and recognizes its ability to relieve paralysis and problems associated with menstruation (2).
Foglie di moringa: the proprietà dalla Vitamina A allo Zinco
A 2020 Hungarian study titled "Study on moringa tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf extract inorganic vegetable production: A review" emphasizes that the leaves of the moringa are the most nutrient-rich part of the tree, as they are an "extraordinary source of vitamins, carotenoids, antioxidants and trace elements".
The study reports the amounts of nutrients in 100g of fresh leaves including:
Calcio (440 mg);
Magnesium (24 mg);
phosphorus (70 mg);
potassium (259 mg);
iron (0.7 mg);
Sulfur (137 mg);
Vitamin A – β-carotene (6.8 mg);
Vitamin B (423 mg);
Vitamin B1 (0.21 mg);
Vitamin B2 (0.05 mg);
Vitamin B3 (0.8 mg) and Vitamin C – ascorbic acid (220 mg).
These are joined by various phytochemicals such as quercetin, kaempferol, isoquercetin and ramnetin.
Many of these substances are also found in powder form from dried leaves (sometimes in larger quantities, in some cases in smaller quantities).
The amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium are greater in moringa leaf powder, as are almost all vitamins, with the exception of B and C (3).
The natural drying method RedMoringa
To ensure that these properties are not changed, it is necessary that the raw materials are treated professionally. The RedMoringa drying method, a process carried out in a controlled environment, ensures that the leaves retain all their properties.
In this regard, it is also advisable to keep both the leaves and the moringa leaf powder in a place away from direct sunlight.
Learn how to dry moringa leaves.
Benefits of Moringa Leaves: Recommended by FAO for children and pregnant women
The exceptional nutritional properties make moringa leaves an excellent resource to supplement the diet. In fact, as stated on its official website, the FAO recommends it as “highly recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children” (4).
In addition to their high vitamin and mineral content, the leaves of the moringa tree also have pronounced antioxidant properties, thanks to compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acid and zeatin (5), in addition to:
Antibiotic
Lowers blood pressure
Ulcer healing
Antispasmodic
Anti-inflammatory
Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol
Moringa leaves and cosmetics: The anti-aging effect
The numerous antioxidant compounds ensure that Moringa leaves are also widely used in the cosmetic industry, especially for the production of topical formulations with anti-aging effects.
As a study conducted in 2014 by two Pakistani researchers shows, "Moringa cream enhances revitalizing effects and supports anti-aging effects" (6).
Specifically, formulations based on moringa extracts are able to combat the aging process, revitalize skin tissue through anti-aging measures and protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors.
Where to Find Moringa Leaves
Moringa leaves are readily available in powder form, such as those found in the dietary supplement offered by RedMoringa.
It is a product that processes leaves and seeds into powder, preserving all the essential characteristics and nutrients of moringa.
The powder nutritional supplement can be used as an ingredient for various types of dishes and preparations.