Moringa Supplement Benefits for Respiratory Diseases: What Modern Science Says
Introduction
Since ancient times, herbal medicines have been used in the treatment of a large number of disorders.
Among these herbal medicinal plants, Moringa oleifera, also called the miracle tree, contains high levels of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can have benefits in improving the health of an individual.
Moringa oleifera plant parts, including flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and stem, contain nutrients and bioactive compounds in varied concentrations.
Moringa plant parts have varied amounts of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils.
Therefore, Moringa oleifera can be applied in the management of various diseases and in improving the nutritional status of an individual.
Its nutrients and bioactive compounds can be utilized as supportive treatment for various respiratory disease conditions, such as asthma, respiratory tract infections, bronchospasm, and lung cancer.
Here we have summarized some of the research studies and their findings that demonstrate the efficacy of Moringa oleifera in the management of asthma and respiratory infections caused by viruses.
Moringa Supplement Benefits for Asthma Sufferers: The Science of Natural Bronchodilation
Asthma is a disease of the respiratory tract. There is sudden obstruction of the airway passage that leads to difficulty in breathing in a patient suffering from this disease.
It is spread worldwide and affects both children and adults. It is responsible for the death of a significant portion of the population.
It is a major cause of death in developing countries, and these countries contribute approximately 80% of the deaths that occur because of this disease
Asthma is a disease characterized by a feeling of sudden and recurrent breathlessness.
Its common symptoms include cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.
It may be caused due to various factors such as genetics, allergic conditions, urbanization, polluted air, tobacco, and obesity.
Its severity may vary in each individual. Conventional medicines provide symptomatic relief from this condition.
Standard medications such as bronchodilators, steroids, and inhalers are available to treat this condition.
These medicines have several side effects when used in the management of asthma.
Herbal medicines have the potential to combat various kinds of diseases.
Moringa oleifera is one of the plants that can have benefits in the management of diseases such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and many other disorders.
Bhavesh A. Patel and Punam D. Sachdeva conducted a study on the effect of bioactive components separated from Moringa oleifera root in the management of asthma in the animal models, including guinea pigs and rats.
To evaluate the effect of moringa on acetylcholine- and histamine-induced bronchospasm, they randomly selected Hartley guinea pigs and divided them into control and experimental groups.
The control group received 0.5% CMC, while one of the experimental groups received standard medicine, ketotifen fumarate, at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight.
All other experimental groups received varied concentrations of root extract for a definite time period.
Additionally, they evaluated the effect on the mast cells of Wistar rats.
Furthermore, to demonstrate the effect of moringa on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, they selected 30 guinea pigs and divided these into the control and experimental groups.
The control group received distilled water. Group 2 received egg albumin.
Group 3 and group 4 received moringa root extract in varied concentrations.
Group 5 received ketotifen fumarate at a dose of 1 mg per kg body weight.
Evaluation of histopathological parameters showed the efficacy of moringa.
The study revealed that Moringa oleifera has a beneficial effect as a supportive treatment in the management of asthma.
Moringa Supplement Benefits for Asthma: Key Findings from Preclinical and Animal Studies
Sandhya Suresha and colleagues conducted a study on the effect of moringa leaf extract in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma.
Moringa is rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and fixed oils, which can have beneficial effects in the management of various diseases like asthma.
The researchers randomly selected 30 Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs, male and female, and divided them into control and experimental groups.
Group 1 was considered as a normal control and received an agar solution.
Group 2 was considered as disease control and received ovalbumin at a predetermined dose.
Group 3 received dexamethasone at a dose of 2.5 mg per kg body weight.
Groups 4 and 5 received varied concentrations of moringa leaf extract after asthma induction.
The evaluation of lung function, hematological data, and physicochemical data revealed the efficacy of moringa in the management of asthma.
The findings suggest that the Moringa oleifera leaf contains bioactive compounds that can be used as supportive treatment for the management of asthma.
Moringa Supplement Benefits and Asthma Clinical Outcomes: Evaluating FVC, PEFR, and Attack Severity
Babita Agrawal and Anita Mehta conducted a study on the effect of Moringa oleifera seed kernels in the management of bronchial asthma.
The researchers randomly selected 20 male and female patients with mild to moderate asthma and aged 17 to 70.
They evaluated various parameters, such as lung function and hematological profile, before initiation of the study.
They administered 3 g of Moringa oleifera seed powder twice daily for three weeks to the participants.
The evaluation of biochemical and physical parameters revealed that Moringa oleifera has a beneficial effect in the management of bronchial asthma.
Moringa improved forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, and peak expiratory flow rate values in patients.
Moringa Supplement Benefits for Viral Respiratory Tract Infections: What the Science Shows
A large number of deaths occur worldwide due to respiratory tract infections such as coronavirus, measles virus, influenza virus, and rhinovirus.
Viruses are microorganisms that grow by using host DNA or RNA material; therefore, it is very difficult to manage infections caused by viruses.
Standard medication may affect host organs and normal body functioning.
Herbal medicines can be utilized in the management of viral infections.
Herbs have minimal side effects, and they can also act against side effects produced by standard medications.
Rosa Giugliano and colleagues conducted a study on the effect of Moringa oleifera against corona and measle viruses.
They evaluated the benefit of moringa for human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) and measles virus (MeV).
The researchers extracted bioactive components of moringa leaves by using water and ethanol.
They obtained Vero CCL-81 and Vero/hSLAM cell lines for an evaluation study.
They observed that moringa has a beneficial effect in respiratory tract infections caused by measles and coronavirus.
References:
1) Patel BA, Sachdeva PD. Evaluations of anti-asthmatic activity of roots of Moringa oleifera Lam. in various experimental animal models. Inventi Impact: Planta Activa. 2011;2011(4):148-150.
2. Suresh S, Chhipa AS, Gupta M, Lalotra S, Sisodia SS, Baksi R, et al. Phytochemical analysis and pharmacological evaluation of methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. in ovalbumin induced allergic asthma. S Afr J Bot. 2020;130:484-93.
3. Mohanty G, Das M, Biswal H, Rath AN, Senapati BK, Pragyananda A, et al. Exploring the medicinal benefits of nature’s miracle tree Moringa oleifera. Just Agric Multidiscip e-Newsl. 2024 May;4(9):363-70.
4. Thakur SK, Pal R, Pandey P, Havelikar U, Singh RP. A systematic review on several therapeutics’ activities and recent trends on Moringa oleifera an traditional medical plant. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2024;13(2):136-42.READ MORE
5. https://www.emro.who.int/health-topics/asthma/
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
7. Agrawal B, Mehta A. Anti-asthmatic activity of Moringa oleifera Lam: A clinical study. Indian J Pharmacol. 2008;40(1):28-31.
8. Hammoodi HA. Moringa and its importance in human life. Sci Archieves. 2021;2(4):272-276.
9. Farooq F, Rai M, Tiwari A, Khan AA, Farooq S. Medicinal properties of Moringa oleifera: An overview of promising healer. J Med Plants Res. 2012;6(27):4368-4374.
10. Giugliano R, Ferraro V, Chianese A, Della Marca R, Zannella C, Galdiero F, et al. Antiviral properties of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts against respiratory viruses. Viruses. 2024;16(8):1199.
FAQ.
1) Are there any proven benefits of moringa for asthma and allergies?
There are numerous preclinical trials and a few clinical trials, which show the efficacy of moringa in the management of symptoms associated with asthma.
2) Can moringa cure asthma?
No, moringa cannot cure asthma. It can be used as supportive treatment alongside conventional medicines for the management of asthma.
3) Can moringa powder help with respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis?
Compounds such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and alkaloids are present in moringa.
These compounds may support in the treatment of ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
4) How does Moringa oleifera produce a bronchodilator effect?
Consuming moringa may reduce the bronchoconstriction effect of biochemical mediators such as acetylcholine and histamine. Therefore, it may act as a bronchodilator.
5) Does Moringa oleifera stabilize mast cells?
Numerous research studies were performed on moringa to evaluate its effect on lung function.
These studies suggest that compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol present in moringa may play a role in stabilizing mast cells.
For more science-backed health guides and educational resources, visit us at https://buymoringapowder.com.
6) How does Moringa oleifera affect histamine release?
Various preclinical and clinical studies reveal that moringa may act by suppressing histamine release.
7) What is the effect of Moringa oleifera on airway inflammation?
Quercetin, vitamin C, and beta-carotene present in moringa help counteract free radicals, normalize the WBC count, and relax bronchial smooth muscles, thereby reducing airway inflammation.
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8) Which parts of the moringa tree are studied for asthma?
Researchers have evaluated various parts of moringa, including the leaves, seed-kernel, bark, and roots, for beneficial effects.
9) What bioactive compounds in moringa leaves support respiratory health?
Kaempferol, phenolic acids, quercetin, vitamin C, moringine, moringinine, and beta carotene are present in Moringa oleifera.
These bioactive molecules act through multiple mechanisms and play a role in improving respiratory health.
10) Do moringa seed kernels show clinical efficacy for asthma?
Currently, limited clinical evidence suggests that moringa seed kernels may help manage asthma.
11) What effect does moringa have on the respiratory rate during asthma attacks?
Moringa may help decrease the elevated respiratory rate experienced during an asthma attack.
12) How does moringa affect Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid?
Moringa reduces the accumulation of inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid that trigger asthma attacks.
13) What changes are seen in lung histopathology with Moringa treatment?
Preclinical and clinical studies reveal that Moringa may help reverse the histopathological changes responsible for asthma.
14) How does moringacompare to standard drugs like dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is conventional medicine, which shows its effect within 2-4 hours after administration.
It also has certain side effects.
Moringa is an herbal medicine, which acts slowly and requires a certain time interval, up to three months, to start showing effectiveness.
The major advantage of moringa is that it has minimal side effects.
Moringa can be used as a supportive treatment in the management of diseases.
15) Why is the antioxidant activity of Moringa important in asthma?
It prevents oxidative damage to lung cells through free radicals.
It also plays a role in the reduction of inflammation in airway passages that occur in asthmatic patients.
16) Does moringa modulate the immune system in asthmatics?
Research on animal models and a few human studies reveal that Moringa has an immunomodulatory effect, suggesting it may play a role in normalizing immune system function.
17) Can moringa help with non-allergic bronchoconstriction?
Yes, moringa may help with non-allergic bronchoconstriction.
18) Does moringa reduce systemic white blood cell (WBC) counts in allergic responses?
Evidence suggests that Moringa oleifera exerts immunomodulatory effects, potentially mitigating the systemic elevation of specific leukocyte subsets during allergic responses.
19) What vitamins in moringa support lung health?
Vitamins C, E, A, and beta carotene are present in moringa in abundant concentrations that may play a role in the management of asthma.
20) How does the mineral content of moringa assist respiratory patients?
Moringa contains minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
These minerals may play a role in the management of asthma.
Iron is responsible for the erythropoiesis process and therefore enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood cells.
It may reduce fatigue and breathlessness that occurs during asthma.
Zinc may play a role in improving immune system function and thus prevent infection by various pathogenic microorganisms.
Magnesium may help relax bronchial smooth muscles.
Potassium helps maintain proper fluid and electrolyte balance inside cells.
21) Does Moringa exhibit antimicrobial properties against secondary respiratory infections?
Yes, moringa exhibits antibacterial activity against pathogens associated with secondary respiratory infections.
22) Can moringa reduce fatigue in chronic asthma sufferers?
Studies show moringa can ease asthma symptoms like wheezing and chest tightness while improving lung function. It is rich in plant-based iron and vitamins that fight fatigue and boost energy levels.
23) Can moringa replace emergency rescue inhalers?
No, moringa cannot act as an alternative to an emergency rescue inhaler.
24) Is moringa safe during pregnancy for respiratory complaints?
There is a lack of clinical trials that suggest the role of moringa in the management of respiratory complaints
25) What is the best time to take moringa for the management of asthma?
The best time to take moringa for managing asthma symptoms is with your lunch or dinner.
Mr.Piyush D Sadar ,Mpharma B pharma ,Pharma Blog Writer
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your obstetrician or healthcare provider before using moringa or any herbal supplement during pregnancy.
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