Miracle Tree - Moringa

 

                         Sehajan / Moringa / Munga / Drumstick Tree / Moringa oleifera

               Moringa plant is a perennial deciduous tropical  plant , rich in many bio-active compound and also considered as a remedy to fight mal-nutrition . The Moringa tree is native to India but also grow in Asia  and South Africa . It is also extremely low fat and contain no harmful cholesterol . Drum stick are very useful plant whose seeds , flowers , leaves and pods are edible and extremely nutritious , which are also treated as a super plant for its powerful properties . Moringa tree is also known as The Miracle tree , it contain unique combination of Vitamins , Minerals and  Amino acid that makes it one of the most nutritious plants . Moringa bark is smooth , dark greyish in color and surrounded by thick cork . Young shoot have purple or green whitish hairy bark . This tree is deeply rooted with wide , open and umbrella shaped crown with tripinnate leaves .Leaflets are rounded elliptical dark green above and pale from under surface . Flower are bisexual , fragrant and surrounded by five unequal , thinly veined and yellow-whitish petals . Fruit are hanging , three sided brown capsules which holds numerous dark brown and globular seeds .

Vernacular names of Drum stick -  Family – Moringaceae

            Hindi ( Drumstick , Munga , Drunken , Saison , Sehjan fali , Sahjan ) , English ( Drum stick tree , Indian horse radish , Horse radish tree ) , Sanskrit (Shobhanjan , Shigru , Akshiv , Mochak , Sobhanjan ) , Bengali ( Sajina ) , Marathi ( Shevgi , Shegata ) , Gujrati ( Segato , Saragavo ) , Oriya ( Muniya , Sajina ) , Punjabi ( Sanjan , Sohanjana ) , Kannada ( Nugge , Nuggi ) , Tamil ( Murunkai , Murungai ) , botanical name ( Moringa oleifera ) .

  Properties of Moringa / Drumstick –

1.     Some Ayurvedic properties of Moringa are ;  Taste / Rasa – Katu / Pungent / Bitter ; Quality / Guna – Light to digest / dryness / Strong piercing ; Vipaka – Katu  ; Veerya / Potency – Hot potency ; Effect of Tridosha  - Balance Kapha and Vata  dosha .

2.     Strengthen bone - Drumstick Pods are promoting the healthy bone due to presence of high amount of Calcium , Phosphorus , Iron and others . It is also good for strengthening bone and it also called as a poor man’s food. Its Anti-inflammatory properties of are beneficial in treating condition like arthritis and in minor bone fracture.

3.     Immunity booster and preventing infection - - Fresh Moringa pods are immunity booster and rich in Vitamin C, with Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial properties, which fight against cold and flu infection, improving circulation and strengthen nervous system . Due to presence of Anti-inflammatory properties and presence of rich amount of Vitamin C in Drum stick , which may help in inhibiting the growth of allergies in respiratory tract due to allergen and prevents them from developing into infection and congestion . It may be minimize the inflammation in the bronchial tubes and improving the breathing  process

4.     Gut health - Moringa pods blessed with a richness of B Vitamins , role in stimulating the secretion of digestive juice , and help in the smooth functioning of digestive system and also help the maintain  Gut health . It also aid the good digestive process by helping in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins  and into simpler form .It have potential for treating many stomach disorders , such as improving digestive health , minimizing acidity.

5.     Skin  and hair health improvement - Moringa contain rich amount of Protein which are helpful in protecting skins cells from the damage. It also contain hydrating and detoxifying elements, which also boost the good health of skin, hair and makes also skin glow .It can be curing skin infection also . Moringa seed oil may help in the healing of skin wounds by reducing oxidative stress .

6.     Improvement of liver function - Moringa may help to protect the liver against damage cause by Anti-tubercular drugs and other due to its Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties. The Hepato-protective function of Drum stick shield the liver from toxins . Drum stick stimulate the production of Glutathione ( Glutathione is a peptide , which is powerful anti-oxidant produced by liver to protect the body against free radicals ) . It boosts the function of the liver and regulate the process involved in the transportation of cholesterol between liver and the cell of the body .

7.     Preventing Ulcer - Moringa may be beneficial in the management of stomach ulcers. Tannins in Moringa promote Vasoconstriction (vasoconstriction is the muscles tightening our blood vessels to shrink the space inside ) . When the blood vessels constrict , blood flow is slowed or blocked  . Astringent properties of Tannins in Moringa pod , promoting precipitation of proteins ( protein precipitation is the process in which protein is separated from any extra contaminant that may be mixed with it .It is important part of downstream processing  ) . Thus , Moringa may helps to protect the gastric mucosa .

8.     Preventing diabetes and its complications - Moringa may be useful in the management of diabetes due to its anti-diabetic properties . It helps to minimize the elevated blood glucose levels . It help in the insulin  secretion from the pancreatic beta cells and also improve the metabolism of carbohydrates and helping in controlling blood sugar levels .. It also reduce insulin resistance of the cells and respond to the hormone in an effective way . Moringa exerts an antihyperglycemic effect and controls blood sugar levels . It can also help to prevent the diabetic complications such as diabetic neuralgias , diabetic neuropathy , diabetic retinopathy , diabetic foot and cataracts .

9.     Prevents plaque formation in arteries  - Moringa may be minimize the risk of plaque deposition inside the arteries . It has hypo-lipidemic activities, which lower the level of cholesterol . This prevent deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels . Thus Moringa prevents plaque formation in arteries  .

10.  Reducing Cholesterol levels  - Moringa may be help to minimize cholesterol level in the body . It promote the excretion of cholesterol through stool . It also stimulates the excretion of fatty acids that are harmful to the body . It  may be help to reducing the level of Triglyceride and LDL cholesterol level . It increase the level of HDL good cholesterol , due to its Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties . It also stimulate the excretion of fatty acid that are harmful to the body .Moringa reduces the cholesterol levels by regulating the metabolism of fats and enhance the fat burning mechanism thus ensuring faster utilization of fats deposited in the body .It may boosts the function of liver and regulates the process involved in the transportation of cholesterol between liver and the cells of the body .

11.  Preventing heart and blood pressure – Moringa contain Quercetin compound and other antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds , that can help in protect the cardiovascular system by preventing lipid formation and inflammation . Moringa pod decoction is better for managing hypertension , promoting metabolism . Quercetin may help to prevent lipid formation and inflammation , both of which can contribute to heart disease .

12.  Prevents Thyroid disorder - Moringa leaves may be beneficial in the treatment of Thyroid disorder due to presence of polyphenols and thiocyanates compounds that trigger metabolism and support thyroid gland health . It help to regulate the level of Thyroids hormone . It means Moringa is well known to control the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine . Selenium deficiency associated with thyroids problems . Moringa contain Selenium which help in controlling Thyroid problems . Moringa contain Zinc , which is also play in important role in thyroid hormone production .

13.  Detoxification - Moringa may help in decreasing fat accumulation in the stomach and flushes toxin from the body . It also helps in the improving the metabolism of the body which helps in weight loss . By using Moringa extract ,  significantly increase in the activities of the oxidative free radicals scavenging enzymes .

14.  Moringa contain rich of Vitamins ; In which B1- It metabolizes fats , Amino-acid , fatty acid , carbohydrates and proteins . ; B3 –is related  with synthesis of stress hormones . ; B6 – is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitter. ; B7- is it may help in making immune system strong , maintaining skin and eyes . ; Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption . Vitamin K is essential for proper functioning of liver and blood .

15.  Preventing cancer- Moringa may be used in preventing cancer, which can acts as a natural anti-carcinogenic agent and by acting as an anti-oxidant activity . I protect the healthy cells in the body against the damages caused by free radicals .Moringa inhibiting the mutation in the DNA of the healthy cells . It also stimulates the natural ability of body to induce apoptosis , which helps in the destruction of the cancer cells and limit the spread and growth of cancer .

16.   Moringa leaves may be taken every day for long period , significantly increase Anti-oxidant ( Anti-oxidants is a substance that protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals . free radical are unstable molecules made by process of oxidation during the  normal metabolism . Free radical may increase cancer ,heart disease ,other disease of aging problem)  levels  , which are very useful for our body .

17.  Moringa leaves acts as effective bio-absorbent and may helps to remove heavy metals and harmful toxin from the body . Thus consumption of Moringa leaves help to fight against nephro-toxicity , due to its powerful antioxidants activities .

18.  Arsenic toxicity may occur due to consumption of contaminated food and water . The amount of arsenic may also be higher in rice . Moringa leaves extract can neutralize the effect of Arsenic and prevent the long term complication that may occur due to the prolonged exposure to this elements . It can help to reduce the symptom of Arsenic toxicity by producing an Anti-oxidant effect . It protect the liver against the damage caused by Arsenic .

19.  Moringa leaves may be beneficial in the controlling high blood pressure . Glycosides and Antioxidant activities of Moringa have blood pressure lowering properties . It block the calcium ion channels . Its also acts as diuretic agent , which helps to maintain normal blood pressure  .

20.  Moringa seeds - may help in treating hyperthyroidism , arthritis , gout , cramps , and act as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents . Presence of flavonoids gives its Anti-inflammatory property .

21.  Moringa seed and  its oil - are mostly used to extract oil , which contain rich amount of Vitamin C , Vitamin B and Minerals  . Its seed oil called Ben oil , which are odorless and  clear .  Moringa seed oils is beneficial for protecting hair against free radicals and keeps it clean and healthy .

Chemical Properties of Moringa  -

1.     In Moringa tree maximum natural nutrients , Anti-oxidant , Vitamins  and  Amino-acid found in one place . Near about 90+ more natural nutrients  and 45 Anti-oxidants  are available in Moringa tree .

2.     Main Active ingredients  - Moringa pods and Seeds are an excellent source of Oleic acid and Vitamin C , where the  Oleic acid is a healthy benefit mono-unsaturated fat .  Moringa pods rich in fiber , lipids , proteins and fatty acids . Some Fatty acid are  Oleic acid , Palmitic acid , and Linolenic acid . Moringa pods contain  Terpenes such as All-E-Lutein , All-E-Luteoxanthin   Beta-Amyrin , Alpha-Amyrin ,All-E-Zeaxanthin . Moringa also contain Quercetin the potent anti-oxidant which is efficient in treating tuberculosis . Moreover, it also valuable in treating fungal skin infection .

4.     Oleic  acid are Poly-unsaturated fatty acids , which have ability to control cholesterol . In Moringa seeds oil contain near about 65-75 % Oleic acid .Oleic acid are used to replace saturated fat in the diet , it may be improve heart condition by lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation .Oleic acid is also called an Omega-9 fatty acid . Oleic acid is needed by the body’s cells for proper membrane fluidity – making sure the cell membrane has a thick enough layer . This is important for fighting  pathogens , transporting minerals and  responding to hormones . Oleic acid is helpful in treating the underdeveloped lungs .

5.     Linolenic acid belong to the group of Omega-3 fatty acid , which are essential polyunsaturated  fatty acid for decrease the risk of heart disease by helping to maintain normal heart rhythm and pumping  with reducing blood clots .It also necessary for normal human growth  and development .

6.     All-E-Lutein is a type of organic pigments called a Carotenoids , with Anti-inflammatory properties . It may be help for improving or even prevent age related macular disease. Its also may be used in the  management of cardiovascular condition .

7.     Alpha and Beta-Amyrin  is natural chemical compound of the Triterpenoids  class , which have Anti-inflammatory , Anti-oxidant , Gastro-protective and Hepato-protective effects . All-E-Zeaxanthin   is a Carotenoids that play a role in protecting the eyes from the harmful effects of oxidation and light –induced damage .

8.     Nutrients value of Drumstick pod contain near about are  ; Carbohydrates -8.5 gm , Fibre -3.2 gm  , Protein -2.1 gm  , Minerals ( Sodium -42 mg , Potassium -460 mg , Calcium 30mg ,  Magnesium 45 mg , Iron  , Selenium , and Zinc ) and The B-complex Vitamins such as - ( Folate , Pyridoxine  B6, Thiamine B1 , Riboflavin , Pantothenic acid , Niacin and vitamin C ) and Phenolic compound . Much of these Vitamins  function as co-enzyme in carbohydrates , Proteins and Fat metabolism .

9.     The Bio-active compound- Niaziminin and Isothiocyanate in drumstick assist to circumvent the thickening of the arteries and lesser chance of developing high blood pressure . Isothiocyanates in Moringa are effective in reducing weight , improving glucose tolerance and regulating blood sugar level . The rich Anti-oxidant profile in drumstick improve the circulation of blood and nutrients to the heart thus regulating hypertension . Niaziminin is a Glucosinolate and a naturally occurring  Thiocarbamate , generally found in Moringa leaves .

10.  Phenolic compound stabilize radicals produced in cells by donating or accepting electrons , hence acting as Anti-oxidants . Naturally occurring Antioxidants , particularly polyphenols , are the main compound that are able to decrease oxidative damage in tissue indirect enhancement of a cell or by free radicals scavenging .

11.  Moringa seed contain Oleic acid ( Ben oil ) , Antibiotic ( Pteridosperm) and fatty acids ( Linoleic acid , Linolenic acid , Behenic acid ,Caprylic  , Stearic , Oleic  acid ) , and others  Phytochemicals bio active compound  as like Tannins , Saponins , Phenolics acid ( Gallic acid , Ferulic acid , Caffeic acid , Cinnamic acid , Ellagic acid ) , Flavonoids ( Catechin  , Epicatechin , Quercetin  , Kaempferol ) , Alkaloids ( Glycosides Moringine ) ,Terpenoids , Tocopherols ( Alpha –Tocopherol , Gama- Tocopherol ) and Sterols  .

12.  Moringa Flower are rich in minerals , Alkaloids , Quercetin , and Kaempferol . Quercetin and Kaempferol are flavonoids , compounds with phenolic hydroxyl groups with Anti-oxidant action that have potential therapeutic uses . Flavonoids protects the cells against injuries .

13.  Moringa leaves are have a blend of vital nutrients , including ; Energy ( 39 Cal) , Proteins ( 2 gm ) , Fat ( 0.50 gm ) , Carbohydrates ( 7-8 gm ) , Fiber ( 2-2-5 gm ), Sugar ( 2-3gm ) , Vitamin ( A, and C ) ,Calcium , Iron , Magnesium , Potassium , Zinc , Vitamin B6 and B2 . 

Side Effects of Moringa –

1.     Consuming large quantity of Moringa leaves , bark or pulp may be create some problem such as upset stomach , gas , diarrheas' due to laxative properties . Moringa  is likely safe when the leaves , fruit and seeds are eaten in limited quantity .

2.     Moringa leaves may be also increased the risk of liver and kidney problem . Avoid eating roots of Moringa tree, because it contain alkaloids , which is not useful for us .  Moringa when taken directly with water or raw farm may be create cause of heart burn . It is better to cook it then consume.

3.     Moringa are not safe for pregnant women because it has uterine contraction property .

Disclaimer –

         This article is only for educational purpose , general information and is not for medicinal purpose . Medicinal purpose always consume after consulting doctor .