1. Protecting and nourishing skin and hair
A laboratory study has suggested moringa may help heal skin wounds more quickly. One way it may do this is by reducing oxidative stress.
According to some expertsTrusted Source, moringa seed oil may also have benefits for hair health.
However, more studies are needed, especially those involving humans.
2. Treating edema
Edema is when fluid builds up in body tissues, for instance, because of inflammation. Ear edema can cause tissue swelling around the ear, usually because of an infection.
In a 2022 study, applying moringa seed oil reduced skin inflammation in mice with ear edema. This suggests the anti-inflammatory properties of moringa may help treat ear edema, though more research in humans is needed.
3. Protecting the liver
Moringa may help protect the liver against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
In one laboratory studyTrusted Source, researchers discovered compounds in moringa that could be useful for this disease. One of these compounds reduced fat buildup in liver cells and increased the activity of proteins that break down fat.
However, this study was not conducted directly on humans. Therefore, more research is needed before we can definitively claim that moringa protects people’s livers.
4. Preventing and treating cancer
Moringa contains properties that may help prevent cancer. For example, it contains niazimicin, a compound that suppresses the development of cancer cells.
According to some scientists, moringa leaf extracts, bark, and other parts of the plant may have properties that can kill cancer cells. If further research confirms this, they could prove useful in treating breast, liver, colorectal, and other cancers.
However, more detailed research is needed to understand how it works at the cellular level.
5. Treating stomach upset
Moringa extracts may help treat some stomach disorders.
For instance:
- The leaves may help prevent colon cancer.
- Moringa leaves have shown a laxative effect, making moringa a possible option for constipation.
- It may reduce stomach acid secretions, suggesting it could prevent peptic ulcers.
- Moringa may help prevent ulcerative colitis as its anti-inflammatory effects may protect the digestive system from damage.
However, all the above studies were conducted on animals. Therefore, the findings may not apply to humans, and more clinical research is necessary.
6. Fighting foodborne bacterial infections
According to 2022 researchTrusted Source, moringa contains substances that may act against some foodborne pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
S. aureus may be presentTrusted Source in sliced meats, sandwiches, and other foods not cooked between handling and eating, while E.coli can passTrusted Source through contaminated water or food. Both types of bacteria can cause diarrhea and other symptoms of food poisoning.
It is important to note, though, that researchers conducted the above study in a laboratory setting. Therefore, it may not accurately represent how moringa extract would perform in humans. The authors called for further studies.
