Overview

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a tree that is used as a food and is also available over the counter as a supplement. Moringa supplements are often used to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, although their benefits are not well defined. Moringa seems to be well tolerated, but it has not been studied enough to know what side effects it may cause. Before taking moringa, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is moringa used for?

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is used to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, but its benefits are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed moringa for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does moringa work (mechanism of action)?

Moringa is a tree called Moringa oleifera. The leaves are often used as food in various parts of the world. They contain many important nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The seeds are rich in fatty acids and can be eaten or used to make seed oil. Dietary supplements that contain moringa are made from the seeds, leaves, or seed pods of the plant.

Moringa contains various chemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, that may have effects on the body. Some of these chemicals may work like antioxidants or help reduce swelling (inflammation). But these effects have only been shown in a lab. The effects of moringa on the human body are not well defined.

There is interest in taking moringa leaves or seeds to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes or prediabetes. But it is not clear if or how moringa may work for these uses.

Herbal products, such as moringa, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific moringa product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store moringa?

You should store moringa according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of moringa?

Moringa seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of moringa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of moringa?

While less common, the most serious side effects of moringa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Moringa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking moringa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use moringa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take moringa.

• Moringa
• Moringa oleifera
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific moringa products they stock.

What should I know about moringa before using it?

Moringa is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep moringa out of the reach of children.

Herbal products, such as moringa, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific moringa product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Moringa supplements may be made from different parts of the plant. For example, moringa products can come from the leaves, seeds, stems, roots, or seed pods. Each of these plant parts contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. Most of the research on moringa for health purposes has used the leaf or the seed. It is important to read the label to check which part of the plant was used to make that product.

Moringa is available in many different forms, including liquid extracts, tablets or capsules, or a dried ground powder that can be added to foods. Each of these forms may contain different amounts of the chemicals that are naturally found in the plant.

The FDA has not tested moringa products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using moringa?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if moringa is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements.Moringa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking moringa, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how moringa could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if moringa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does moringa interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between moringa and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect moringa.

Does moringa interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any medicines for diabetes.

The interactions between moringa and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with moringa is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking moringa with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much moringa?

If you or someone else has used too much moringa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Moringa is available as a food, a powder that can be added to foods, and a supplement. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to take moringa safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.