Moringa Oleifera : Any benefits to COVID19 patients?

Moringa Oleifera is  native  to India but currently  grown  across  the  world  especially  Africa. Several  studies done  have shown Moringa Oleifera’s  high antioxidant levels much higher than most fruits  and vegetables  which have been traditionally known to contain high levels of anti-oxidants. Study  done in India showed  that the Total Phenolic Content of Moringa  leaves ranged from 141.59 mgGAE/100 g to 185.32 mgGAE/100g while  Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma(FRAP) levels ranged from 0.49 mg/g to 0.7 mg/g. The measurements above indicate moringa’s strong anti-inflammatory ability[1].

One of the breathrough medicine in the treatment of COVID19 is dexamethasone. Earlier Studies done have shown that some moringa Oleifera extracts exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory effects to dexamethazone.

Before  we go any further , lets understand  some terms.

WHAT ARE ANTI-OXIDANTS?
Anti-oxidants are chemicals mainly naturally found in plants( fruits and vegetables). In our body, these anti-oxidants have several life saving properties, but for the sake of this post, we will dwell much on anti-inflammatory properties.

WHAT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FACTORS ARE INCREASED IN COVID19 PATIENTS?

Some of Inflammatory cytokines responsible for COVID19 symptoms are IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

HOW DO THE ANTIOXIDANTS IN MORINGA OLEIFERA  HELP IN COVID19 SYMPTOMS?

The Moringa Oleifera , being rich in antioxidants that have strong anti inflammatory property may reduce inflammation in COVID 19 patients , same way as steroids ( dexamethasone ) do.

BOTTOM LINE LIFE SAVING ADVISE.

Moringa Oleifera and other plant or herbs ( e.g Artemesia) that have anti-inflammatory properties may be beneficial to those COVID19 patients without or with mild symptoms and are managed at home. Dexamethasone should not be routinely used by asymptomatic CIVID19 patients. Furthermore, in contrast to dexamethasone which has side effects, Moringa Oleifera, being food may not have any side effects.

REFERENCES:

[ 1 ] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-antioxidants#section13

[2] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1027-5021/dexamethasone-oral/dexamethasone-oral/details

[ 3 ] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247066/

MORINGA OLEIFERA ANTI–OXIDANTS MAY PREVENT CANCER

Moringa Oleifera is  native  to India but currently  grown  across  the  world  especially  Africa. Several  studies done  have shown Moringa Oleifera’s  high antioxidant levels much higher than most of fruits  and vegetables  which have been traditionally known to contain high levels of anti-oxidants. Study  done in India showed  that the Total Phenolic Content of Moringa  leaves ranged from 141.59 mgGAE/100 g to 185.32 mgGAE/100g while  Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma(FRAP) levels ranged from 0.49 mg/g to 0.7 mg/g. The measurements above indicate moringa’s strong ability to neutralise free radicals.

Preparing Moringa Powder enriched Cake

 

Before  we go any further , lets understand  some terms.

 

WHAT ARE ANTI-OXIDANTS?
Anti-oxidants are chemicals mainly naturally found in plants( fruits and vegetables). In our body, these anti-oxidants have several life saving properties, but for the sake of this post, we will dwell much on cancer preventing properties.

WHAT CAUSES CANCER?

Cancer is caused by several factors. Some are born with the causes (genetic) , chemicals, food, free radicals etc.
WHAT ARE FREE RADICALS.
Let’s call them chemicals as well. But, the most important issue is how do they get into our body, to cause cancer? We can get them into the body from the skin, food we eat( that delicious fried beef/ chicken/fish/vegetable), medicines we take (the broken down by products) .

HOW DO THE ANTIOXIDANTS IN MORINGA OLEIFERA  PREVENT CANCER?

The antioxidants neutralize the free radicals hence making them harmless to our body. It’s that simple .

BOTTOM LINE LIFE SAVING ADVISE.

Let’s eat Moringa Oleifera products ( leaf and fruits) as they have  shown to contain high levels of  antioxidants which have been scientifically shown to prevent  Cancer and other  non communicable  diseases  including Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

 

REFERENCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-antioxidants#section13

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3247066/

MORINGA AND GOUT: ANY SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE ?

Moringa Oleifera belongs to  the family Moringaceae which  has about  thirteen  species. Moringa Oleifera  is a drought-resistant tree that grows in  Asian and some African countries . InAfrica, it is known by several names  such as Chammwamba , Mlonge , Mulinga, and Moringa  .In other parts of the world , its also known as Horse Radish tree,  Drumstick tree , the Tree of Life , Miracle Tree,  Ben Oil Tree , Zogale and Sahijan.   Its one of  the most sort after  superfood worldwide. The Africa Moringa Hub (AMH NGO) ,a pan-african NGO with its headquarters in Ghana is one of   not-for-profit organisation promoting   cultivation and  consumption of Moringa Oleifera in Africa.

What is Gout ?

Gout is  a medical condition caused by high uric acid  level in blood. This could be due  to overproduction , under reabsorption or both. Normal Uric acid levels are 2.4-6.0 mg/dL (female) and 3.4-7.0 mg/dL (male)[1].  Normal values will vary from laboratory to laboratory.

High uric acid levels (hyperuricaemia) accumulates in joints forming crystals. These crystals lead to inflammation, swelling of joints  and pain. This condition is then called gouty arthritis.

What is the Source of Uric Acid ?

Uric  acid is formed from purine  rich foods. Purines are mainly found in amino acids which are building blocks  of proteins. Therefore ,  high protein or  high purine foods  are sources of uric acid  hence  should be  avoided.

Does Moringa Oleifera have purines ?

The answer is  a resounding yes. The plants need these purines to manufacture high quality amino acids and proteins of which moringa Oleifera is treasured for.

Purine food content is classified into three categories. High purine food (150 -800mg/100grams of food. E.g Organ meat ( liver ,kidneys , mussels etc ). Medium purine foods ( 50-150mg/ 100g of food )E.g Beef ,scallops , dried beans , mushrooms etc. Lower purine rich foods ( 0-50mg) 100g of  food e.g Cheese , milk and  eggs.

Moringa dried  leaf powder  has  protein levels between 19 to 30g per 100grammes of dried leaf powder[2],[3]. Although moringa leaf powder has some level of  purines , Scientist from the  Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA  demonstrated that  moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables or protein is not associated with an increased risk of gout .However , the study  reconfirmed that higher levels of meat and seafood consumption were associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas a higher level of consumption of dairy products is associated with a decreased risk [4].

Moringa Scientific evidence in Arthritis

Several studies using  different parts of Moringa Oleifera have  exhibited  scientifically proven evidence for  its use in Arthritis [5][6][7].

Picture 1: Moringa Oleifera tree with leaves ,flowers and pods.

A study was done by scientists at the Putra University in Malaysia, with an objective to evaluate Moringa oleifera Aqueous Extract for Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Animal. The  study revealed that Moringa Oleifera extract had both analgesic ( pain relief ) and anti inflammatory properties exhibiting  potency similar to conventional drugs such as Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory dugs(NSAID).  This study was published in 2008 by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Biology [5].

Another study was  also done  to assess if at all  Moringa Oleifera seeds has any effect against   inflammation associated with development of arthritis. It was scientifically proven that Moringa oleifera ethanolic  extract exhibited significant  reduction in inflammatory indicators ( Rhematoid factors and  cytokines) oedema and  erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The moringa  extract exhibited comparable effects to dexamethasone , which is one  of  effective treatments in Arthritis [6]

Late 90s , a study also documented that  moringa oleifera root extract  contains anti inflammatory principle(s) that may be useful in the treatment of both the acute and chronic inflammatory conditions [7] .  However , it  should be pointed out  that moringa roots , especially the bark contains alkaloids which are poisonous  to humans. It is  therefore advised that any root products from human consumption should be sourced from trusted  and  well experienced suppliers.

As above , moringa oleifera leaf , seed and root extract all possess anti inflammatory and pain relief characteristic in animal studies.

Gouty arthritis treatment and Moringa Oleifera.

Does moringa Oleifera have any role in the treatment of gouty arthritis? The answer is Yes.

So far , the best treatment for gout is conventional (modern )medicine which has proven to save  lives. There are drugs that  reduce overproduction of uric acid (urate) (e.g Allopurinol ) or those that reduce the  reabsorption of uric acid(urate) into blood system ( e.g probenecid ) [1]

Further to this , during gouty arthritic attack , medicines that relieve both pain  and inflammation may be  prescribed. Low purine diet may also be advised. Moringa therefore may be used as a supplement to the medicine that relieve pain and reduce inflammation as supported by evidence above.

DISCLAIMER :

This article is  for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. This information should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem.  La Vieherb advises that you consult your health professional if you suspect you have a health problem.

REFERENCES:

1. http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hyperuricemia-high-uric-acid.aspx
2. Convance Laboratories. Certificate of analysis for Moringa Oleifera leaf powder provided by Education Concerns for Hunger Organisations( ECHO). Unpublished.2011
3. Amaglo,NK., Bennet R.N ., Lo Curto R.B et al. Profiling selected phytochemicals and nutrients in different tissues of multipurpose tree, Moringa Oleifera L , grown in Ghana. Food Chemistry , 2010; 122:1047-1054.
4. Choi HK, Atkinson K, Karlson EW, et al. Purine-rich foods, dairy and protein intake, and the risk of gout in men. N Engl J Med. 2004;350:1093–103. 

Accessed on 16/08/2018 at  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15014182

5. R. Sulaiman, Z.A. Zakaria, A.S. Bujarimin, M.N. Somchit, D.A. Israf & S. Moin (2008) Evaluation ofMoringa oleiferaAqueous Extract for Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Animal Models,Pharmaceutical Biology, 46:12, 838-845, DOI: 10.1080/13880200802366710
6. Shailaja G. Mahajan, Ravindra G. Mali & Anita A. Mehta (2007) Protective Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Seeds of Moringa oleifera Against Inflammation Associated with Development of Arthritis in Rats,Journal of Immunotoxicology, 4:1, 39-47, DOI: 10.1080/15476910601115184

Available on  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15476910601115184?src=recsys

7. C Ezeamuzie, A W Ambakederemo, F O Shode & S C Ekwebelem (1996) Antiinflammatory Effects of Moringa oleifera Root Extract, International Journal of Pharmacognosy, 34:3, 207-212, DOI: 1076/phbi.34.3.207.13211 Available on : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1076/phbi.34.3.207.13211?src=recsys
8. https://www.themoringa.com/articles/moringa-oleifera-treatment-arthritis-gout

MORINGA OLEIFERA: 5 SCIENTIFIC HEALTH BENEFITS

Moringa Oleifera belongs to  the family Moringaceae which  has about  thirteen  species. Moringa Oleifera  is a drought-resistant tree that grows in  Asian and some African countries . InAfrica, it is known by several names  such as Chammwamba , Mlonge , Mulinga, and Moringa  .In other parts of the world , its also known as Horse Radish tree,  Drumstick tree , the Tree of Life , Miracle Tree,  Ben Oil Tree , Zogale and Sahijan.   Its one of  the most sort after superfood  worldwide. In Africa , its cultivation and  consumption is now being  promoted by a pan-african  not-for-profit organisation called AMH NGO. AMH stands for Africa Moringa Hub. The promotion is  being  implemented under the slogan ‘’ Eat and plant Moringa !’’

Due to Moringa Oleifera’s  growing popularity  for  its nutritional and health benefits , critics , including conventional medical practioners  and scientists   have demanded  upfront  eveidence  to substantiate the claims.

Scientists have now  brought forward  plausible  evidence  to support  the amazing  benefits of  the God given Moringa tree. The  evidence below reveals  that  moringa might be beneficial in the following :

1. EPILEPSY

Moringa Oleifera leaft  extract have shown to  reduce duration of  epileptic seizures.

2. RHEUMATISM / ARTHRITIS

Taking   2 to 3 moringa nuts per day for not more than 2 weeks  have  shown to relieve pain and inflammatory  process. The study reveals  that the moringa  seeds  might be  beneficial to those with Gout , Rheumatism and  any sort of  arthritis.

3. ANAEMIA

Moringa contains iron which is one  of  the most important building  blocks of Haemoglobin (blood cells). Furthermore , moringa  oleifera contains Vitamin C. Vitamin C  helps in absorption of   Iron from the gut hence make it  available for blood  cell production.

4. ASHMA

Preliminary human evidence reveals  an improvement in breathing and lung function associated with ingestion of 2 to 3 Moringa nuts per day.  The results  suggest that  taking  Moringa nuts  will improve  quality of life in those with Asthma  and Bronchitis .

5. CANCER

Cancer leads to abnormal multiplication of  cells leading  to  a huge mass or would. Moringa Oleifera  extract has shown to reduce the  multiplication of the cancerous  cells in cervical , skin and Colon cancer . In cancer prevention , Moringa Oleifera  has shown to neutralize cancer causing agents ( Free radicles).

DISCLAIMER :

This article is  for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. This information should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem.  La Vieherb advises that you consult your health professional if you suspect you have a health problem.