Does Moringa Oleifera Fight Cancer?

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been used for thousands of years for its health benefits. Moringa may offer many benefits, including reducing the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and cancer.

On this page: 

1. Nutrients in Moringa
2. Is Moringa Oleifera Rich in Antioxidants?
3. Does Moringa Oleifera Fight Cancer?
4. Does Moringa Lower Blood Sugar Levels?
5. Benefits
6. Weight Loss
7. Moringa Oleifera Oil
8. Summary

Moringa is rich in healthy antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and bioactive plant compounds. 

Also known as the drumstick tree, miracle tree, or coffee oil tree, the Moringa oleifera tree has been used for centuries for its health benefits. 

In this article, learn about what the Moringa tree is, the benefits it may offer, and its potential side effects.

Nutrients in Moringa

Moringa contains many nutrients such as antioxidants, many plant compounds, and essential compounds, such as(1):

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin B1 (thiamine)

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

• Vitamin B3 (niacin)

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Calcium 

• protein 

• Ptassium

• Magnesium

• Phosphorus

• Iron

Moringa is also considered a low-fat plant and does not contain harmful cholesterol, so it is used safely by patients with heart and blood vessel diseases.

The leaves contain more vitamins and minerals than the fresh pods.

In Western countries, dried leaves are sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.

In developing countries where people’s diets are sometimes lacking in vitamins, minerals, and protein, Moringa oleifera can be an important source of many essential nutrients. 

For example, moringa contains more vitamin C than spinach. 

Moringa oleifera contains unsaturated fatty acids found in moringa leaves, including omega-3 and omega-6, which help prevent cardiovascular, neurological and brain diseases.

However, taking Moringa oleifera supplements in capsules will not provide a significant number of nutrients.

Is Moringa Oleifera Rich in Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that work to prevent the formation of free radicals in the body.

Increased levels of free radicals cause oxidative stress and cell damage, which has been linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes(2), and cancer.

Several antioxidant plant compounds are found in Moringa Oleifera leaves:

• Chlorogenic acid: Chlorogenic acid may help(3) regulate blood sugar levels after meals

• Quercetin: This powerful antioxidant may help(4) lower blood pressure

• Vitamin C and beta-carotene which helps(5) in eye health

Moringa leaf extract may be used as a preservative(6) for foods such as meat, as it increases the shelf life of meat by reducing oxidation.

In short, Moringa Oleifera is rich in various antioxidants that may protect against certain chronic diseases.

Does Moringa Oleifera Fight Cancer? 

Moringa oleifera extracts are an important food source that provides the body with elements that help eliminate cancer.

Benefits of Moringa Oleifera for cancer patients include: 

• Liver cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Preventing toxic side effects of chemotherapy

Moringa oleifera is an excellent source of phenols and flavonoids that are used in many pharmacological activities, including liver cancer.

In a 2021 study(7) to investigate the anti-proliferation activity of Moringa oleifera fruit extract (MOF) on human liver cancer HepG2 cells.

In another 2020 study(8) that highlighted prostate cancer, the study showed that Moringa oleifera leaf extract has significant anticancer potential by inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis and activating caspase-3 activity in prostate cancer.

On the other hand, Moringa oleifera oil may have a role in preventing the toxic effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients.

One study(9) showed that Moringa oil reduces the neurotoxic effects of methotrexate (MTX) caused by oxidative stress.

Previous studies have suggested that Moringa oleifera supplements may be useful for targeting prostate cancer cells, liver cancer and patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Does Moringa Lower Blood Sugar Levels?

High blood sugar is a common health problem around the world, and it’s a common symptom of diabetes.

Persistently high blood sugar can lead to serious complications, including heart and eye disease. For this reason, it’s important to keep your blood sugar within a certain range.

Several studies have shown that Moringa oleifera may help lower blood sugar levels.

A study(10) on 30 women who took 1.5 teaspoons of Moringa leaf powder every day for three months lowered their fasting blood sugar levels by an average of 13.5%.

In another study(11) in six people with diabetes, adding 50 grams of Moringa leaves to their meal reduced their blood sugar spikes by 21%.

Researchers speculate that these effects are due to plant compounds such as isothiocyanates.

In short, Moringa leaves may lower blood sugar levels, but more research is needed.

What are the benefits of moringa? 

Moringa has many health benefits and people around the world have used it for medicinal purposes and traditional food.

Treating edema

Edema occurs when fluid builds up in the body’s tissues due to inflammation somewhere in the body.

Ear edema, for example, is swelling of the tissues around the ear due to an inflammatory infection.

A 2022 study showed(12) that applying moringa seed oil (MOSO) topically to Swiss mice with ear edema reduced skin inflammation.

Thus, the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, although more research is needed in humans. 

Treating digestive disorders

Several studies have shown that moringa extracts may help treat some stomach and intestinal disorders, such as:

• Treating constipation(13) due to the laxative effect of the leaves

• Preventing(14) colon cancer

• Preventing ulcerative colitis as its anti-inflammatory effects may protect the digestive system

• Moringa may reduce stomach acid secretions, suggesting that it may prevent peptic ulcers

However, more research is needed, especially in humans, to confirm and begin using it as a treatment.

Preventing rheumatoid arthritis

Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. 

This is according to a study(15) conducted on rodents, not humans, and more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. 

Bone Health

Moringa contains potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are essential for building bones and increasing their strength, especially in people with osteoporosis and women in menopause.

Protecting the liver from fat accumulation

Moringa may play an important role in protecting the liver from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Researchers have discovered(16) compounds in moringa that could be beneficial for (NAFLD).

One of these compounds reduced the accumulation of fat in liver cells and increased the activity of proteins that break down fats.

More research is needed in humans before we can conclusively claim that moringa protects the liver.

Protects the nervous system and improves mood 

The antioxidants in Moringa oleifera may protect against nerve cell damage that leads to nervous system disorders, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and nerve pain.

Scientists believe(17) it may have neuroprotective properties. However, more research is needed to understand its role in treating these neurological conditions.

Protects the cardiovascular system

Moringa is rich(18) in a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, such as quercetin, which may help protect cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.

Quercetin may help prevent high cholesterol and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease.

However, more research is needed to conclusively prove these effects.

Reducing menopausal symptoms

Moringa oleifera contains nutrients that may help relieve hot flashes in women going through menopause.

Moringa contains phytosterols, an essential component for regulating and supporting estrogen in women.

Does moringa help with weight loss? 

The abundance of nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support weight loss.

Research suggests(19) that moringa seed extract may help manage several factors associated with obesity.

These include:

• Supporting weight loss

• Reducing fat

• Preventing inflammation

• Protecting the liver

• Lowering cholesterol levels

• Improving insulin sensitivity

• Regulating fat absorption

• Reducing oxidative stress

It is important to note that researchers have conducted many animal studies. In fact, more clinical research is needed to confirm that moringa helps with weight loss.

What are the uses and benefits of moringa oleifera oil?

Moringa oil is manufactured for a wide range of personal, industrial, cosmetic, and medical uses, including:

• Cooking oil: Moringa oil is widely used in the kitchens of poor countries. It is high in protein and oleic acid, a healthy monounsaturated fat. When used in cooking, it is an economical and nutritious alternative to more expensive oils.

• Topical cleanser and moisturizer for skin and hair: The oleic acid found in moringa oil makes it useful when used topically as a cleanser, and as a moisturizer for skin and hair. Combining moringa oil with almond, sesame, avocado and coconut oils may give your skin and hair a greater effect.

Benefits of moringa oil:

• Lowers cholesterol

• Antioxidant

• Anti-inflammatory, whether ingested or used topically

• Treats acne

In short, moringa oil is used for cooking and is included in cosmetic preparations for skin and hair.

Summary

Moringa leaves, this indian tree is highly nutritious and should be beneficial for people who are nutritionally deficient.

Moringa oleifera may help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and many other diseases.

Moringa oleifera supplements may be more popular, but using the plant itself is still the best way to achieve the best results.