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
LA VIEHERB 