20th September 2011 INTRODUCING MORINGA OLEIFERA:

Introduction Moringa oleifera is a plant species of the genus Moringa and family Moringaceae. A hardy plant that grows well in dry and sandy soil and resist drought and disease. It grows so fast in mainly semi-arid, tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is an incredibly nutritious plant ever studied with virtually every part of the tree used for food, medicine or put to some other beneficial use. Its propagated by planting 1-2m long limb cuttings. It can also be propagated by seeds, which, which is planted an inch below the surface of the soil. It starts bearing pods 6-8months after planting. Uses of Moringa oleifera a) Roots Useful in controlling disorders of the circulatory system including minor cardiovascular complaints. Stimulates the appetite and improves the function of digestive tract, making it useful for individuals with gastric upset and irritable bowel syndrome. In controlled doses, root extracts is used to control impotence, sexual dysfunction, female reproductive tract issues and to bring on menstruation. In poultice form, the roots are used for cramps and arthritis pains. Roots are diuretics and may have some antiseptic qualities. A root contains elements that can combat epithelial ovarian cancer and provide new hope for cancer sufferers. Root extracts can reduce or eliminate kidney stones by allowing the body to flush out calcium and phosphates from kidneys more efficiently. Root extracts can be used as anti-inflammatory agents (healing of edema and other artificially induced inflammations). Useful in supplementing pharmaceutical remedies, allowing patients to experience longer, less interrupted sleep when taking pain medications. Roots are used to create medicines, perfumes, natural pesticides, fertilizers, cleaning agents, animal fodder, and many other important products.

Summary of Moringa oleifera root medicinal uses Antimicrobial/ Biocidal Bacterial Dental caries/toothache Viral Common cold Parasites Trypanosomes External sores/ulcers Fever Asthma Circulatory/endocrine disorders Cardio tonic Diuretic Digestive disorders Hepatorenal Diarrhea Dysentery Inflammation Nervous Disorders Flatulence Rheumatism Edema Anti-spasmodic Epilepsy Hysteria Reproductive health Headache Abortifacient Aphrodisiac Skin disorders sexual dysfunction Astringent Rubefacient General disorder/conditions Vesicant Gout Hepatamegaly Low back/kidney pain Scurvy splenomegaly b) Leaves. 2

Moringa leaves have the calcium equivalent of four glasses of milk, the vitamin C content of seven oranges, potassium level of three bananas, 3 times the iron of spinach, 4 times the amount of vitamin A in carrot, and 2 times the protein in milk. The most nutrition is found in the young leaves of Moringa oleifera where the nutrients are fresh and dense. Due to this, the leaves have been found to have the following uses: The leaves are cooked and used as food source or supplement for preventing malnutrition in children and nursing mothers. Leaves can be dried and crushed into powder and used in soups and sauces. Leaves and pods are helpful in increasing breast milk in the breast feeding mothers. Have stabilizing effect on blood pressure and control glucose levels. Leaves are also used to treat anxiety, diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, skin infections, scurvy, intestinal parasites. The powder of Moringa leaves can be used as on its own or in combination with other tea ingredients. NB: Just 25g of Moringa oleifera leaf powder will satisfy the following nutritional requirements for an average child: Protein 42%;Vitamin C 22%;Calcium 125%;Potassium 41%;Magnesium 61%;Vitamin A 272%;Iron 71% c) Seeds Seeds are used as a sexual virility drug for treating erectile dysfunction in men and also in women for prolonging sexual activity. The seeds yield 38-40% edible oil (Ben oil) The seed cake remaining after oil extraction may be used as fertilizers or as a flocculent to purify water. The seeds are considered an excellent biofuel source for making biodiesel. The seed pods (drum stick) are protein-rich and contain every essential amino acid, making them useful as primary protein source. d) Flowers: The flowers can be cooked with peas and Irish potatoes and eaten as food. It contains high amounts of calcium and potassium. COMPILLED BY: Komakech Richard-Research Officer, Botany Okia Charles- Research Officer, Botany 3