Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera), is a popular plant known for high nutritional value as well

as an herbal medicine. Malunggay is a plant that grows in the tropical climates such as
the Philippines, India and Africa. Malunggay is widely used as vegetable ingredient in
cooking, as herbal medicine for a number of illness and other practical uses.

The Malunggay plant can grow to as high as 9 meters with erect white trunks. The
compound leaf has about 3 to 9 leaflets. Malunggay has white fragrant flowers that
produces long pods with 3-angled winged seeds.

Malunggay may be propagated by planting its seeds about an inch in the

ground or matured malunggay stem cuttings of about 3 feet in length may
also be planted into the ground. Planted malunggay cuttings grows faster
compared to planted seeds.

Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) has been used as herbal medicine in many cultures for
hundreds of years, Malunggay is known as a very nutritious plant where it is used to
combat malnutrition in third world countries especially for infants and nursing mothers.

The malunggay pods are the most valued and widely used part of
the plant. Malunggay pods contains essential amino acids,
vitamins and other nutrients. Malunggay pods may be eaten raw or
may be prepared or cooked. Malunggay pods may be fried and
may produce a clear, odorless and sweet oil mostly called - Ben
Oil.

Malunggay leaves may be eaten as greens, in salads and as

vegetable ingredients for soups and other tropical viands.
Malunggay flowers are cooked and eaten either mixed with other
foods or fried in batter.

Malunggay Traditional Medicinal Uses and Health benefits

Malunggay has a long history of medical usage and has a long list of folkloric health
benefits for the following conditions.

Malunggay is widely believed to contain high value nutrients and consumption of which
promotes general well being. Malunggay is also called a "miracle tree" primarilly for the
various health benefits it can provide for almost all kinds of diseases and medical
conditions. More over almost all of its parts have use - from its roots, pods, barks,
flowers and leaves. Listed below are some of the traditional herbal treatment of
malunggay.

Scalp problems. Malunggay leaves pounded and combined with coconut oil is used to
treat scalp problems and to promote hair growth.

Boosts immune system. Boiled malunggay leaves contain immune boosting nutrients
used in sickness recovery.

Milk production in nursing mothers. Boiled malunggay leaves used to promote milk
production in nursing mothers.

Asthma. Malunggay leaves combined with honey and calamsi to treat cough
and asthma

Skin rejuvenation. Malunggay is used as skin restorer to promote skin rejuvenation.

Hypertension. Malunggay soup is used to lower high blood pressure

Relaxant. Malunggay tea from bark or leaves is used to treat insomnia and
restlessness.

Anthelmintic. Malunggay pod is chewed to treat and prevent intestinal parasites in

children.

Diabetes. Malunggay is also recommended for sufferers of diabetes

Source of calcium. Malunggay is consumed to strengthen the bones especially for

growing children and older people due ot high calcium content.

Anti-inflammatory. Malunggay oil or poultice is used to treat bone and ligament related
conditions that involve inflammations such as gout, rheumatism, back pain, sprains and
all srts of swelling.

Eye problems. Malunggay is also used to improve eye problems. Believed to contain
high amount of vitamin A, more than that of a carrot.
Anti-cancer. Malunggay is used along with other herbal medicines to treat cancer.
Leaves and fruit used for constipation and as diuretic.

Skin diseases. Decoction of boiled roots used to wash sores, cuts, skin ulcers, wounds
and other skin diseases to alleviate pain and promote healing.

Stomach problems. Malungay is also used for stomach and intestinal problems such
as ulcers and constipation.

Abortificient. Malunggay roots and bark have been used as abortifacient.

Boosts fertility. Malunggay flower with soy milk is used as aphrodisiac and promote
fertility for men.

Contraceptive. While malunggay roots are believed to suppress fertility, chewed as a

contraceptive by women.

Snake bites. Malunggay roots are also used to treat snake bites,

Ear problems. The juice from malunggay roots is used to treat ear related problems
(otalgia).

Science Research: Cassia alata Health Benefits

Malunggay, combat malnutrition, used to combat malnutrition, especially among
infants and nursing mothers. Contains vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron and protein.

Malunggay Anti infectious: Antibacterial; Anti Fungal, . In late 1940's,

The Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (PLN
Rao) have found that malunggay or Moringa Oleifera leaves contain a
compound "pterygospermin" that is known in medical science as having antimicrobial,
antibacterial, anti fungal properties.

Malunggay Anti Cancer Malunggay or Moringa has been shown in studies to have an
anti-tumor capacity. Moringa contains benzyl isothiocyanate. There are many studies
that have shown this chemical and compounds derived thereof to have anti-cancer and
chemoprotective capabilities. This chemoprotective aspect is critical for those who are
battling cancer; this helps strengthen cells so that they can tolerate chemotherapy.
Malunggay is also considered in the treatment of prostate cancer and skin cancer. (Ref:
Fuglie LJ (2000) New Uses of Moringa Studied in Nicaragua. ECHO Development
Notes #68, June, 2000. ttp://www.echotech.org/network/modules.php?
name=News&file=article&sid=194)

Malunggay anti-inflamatory: Malunggay has been found to inhibit inflammation in a

controlled scientific study conducted by Philippine DOST Scientists (Amelia P. Guevara,
Carolyn Vargas and Milagros Uy). When an aquous seed extract of malunggay has
been administered to a carrageenan induced inflammation, its was noted that the
aquous seed extract of the Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) inhibited the development of
edema in ratpaw. The Malunggay is traditionally used to prevent and treat
inflammations associated with rheumatism, arthritis and joint pains.

Malunggay - Reproductive health. Fuglie LJ (1999) The Miracle Tree: Moringa

oleifera: Natural Nutrition for the Tropics has reported that Malunggay or Moringa
Oleifera is widely believed to have an aphrodisiac action that enhances the sexual
activity. Malunggay or moringa oleifera young leaves is also widely used to increase the
flow of milk for lactating mothers.

Scientific name: Moringa oeliferaMalunggay leaves was once considered a “poor man’s vegetables” but now it is
known as a “miracle tree” and “nature’s medicine cabinet” by scientists and health care workers from around the
world. The reason it is called a “miracle tree” is because it is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can help
prevent and cure many kinds of ailments.

Malunggay trees are generally grown in the backyards in countries of Southeast Asia, Central and South America,
and Africa. It is said that these plants are “low maintenance,” requiring little to no care.

All parts of the malunggay tree (from the roots, trunk, and branches to the leaves, flowers, and seeds) have
nutritional and medicinal uses.

malunggay tree

Culinary Uses: Malunggay leaves are best in soup, fish and chicken dishes.

Malunggay Nutrient Content: Malunggay contains three times the potassium in bananas, four times the vitamin
A in carrots, seven times the vitamin C in oranges and 2 times the calcium in a glass of milk. These substances
are potent antioxidants that protect the cells of the body from getting damaged by free radicals.
Available Form of Malunggay Leaves: fresh leaves or vegetables, powder or supplement form, and tea. Some
products where malunggay leaves are included are bread, oil (for cooking and cosmetic ingredients), shampoo
and conditioner, ice cream, etc…

Malunggay Leaves Health Benefits:

Eating one cup of malunggay leaves everyday can help strengthens the immune system.

Can help restores skin condition, controls blood pressure, relieve headaches and migraines.

Malunggay tea can help strengthen the eye muscles.

Malunggay tea can help heal inflammation of the joints and tendons.

Eating one to two cups of malunggay leaves during dinnertime can help cure constipation.

Contain two times the protein in milk.

Malunggay leaves poultice can help stop bleeding when applied directly to bleeding wound.

Malunggay tea can prevent intestinal worms.

Can help increase semen count.

Can help normalize blood sugar level therefore preventing diabetes.

Has anti-cancer compounds (phytochemicals) that help stop the growth of cancer cells.

Malunggay helps promote good night sleep.

Malunggay tea is used to treat fever and asthma.

Malunggay help heals ulcers.

Malunggay leaves are proven to increase the flow of milk among lactating mothers. For insufficient breast
milk production take one cup of leaves at least once a day. The young malunggay leaves can also be boiled
and taken as tea.

Malunggay Root Medicinal Uses:

The roots is used to make tea, while the trunk, after it’s scraped and squeezed for its juice is used to clean
wounds.

Decoction of malunggay roots is taken to increase the amount of urine. It can also be use as mouthwash to help
tighten the gums.

Poultice applied to snake bites and skin irritations.

Malunggay Seeds Medicinal Uses:

Malunggay seed is used to clean dirty or polluted water. According to German research, malunggay seeds are
able to clean water of low and medium turbidity (cloudiness) with 98% – 99% reduction in bacteria that
cause gastrointestinal disorders.

Malunggay seed can help cure rheumatism. Just roast seeds, powder and apply on affected joints.

Note: Malunggay seeds are also good sources of bio-fuels