Moringa Leaves7
Moringa oleifera Leaf (Daun Kelor / Moringa Leaves) is a herbal ingredient widely used as both a food and a herbal medicine. Traditionally, fresh green leaves are used to treat ringworm in children by rubbing them in the hands with a small amount of lime until a thick liquid is released, which is then applied to the affected skin. Other traditional uses include as a diuretic, an antiemetic, and a remedy for hangovers.2 In addition to having a wide range of benefits and a good safety profile, Moringa leaves are rich in nutrients, making them suitable for use as a daily supplement. It is no wonder that this plant is often referred to as a “superfood” because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and other important bioactive compounds.1,4
Morphology of Moringa
The moringa tree grows to a height of 3–10 m. The leaves are compound and green, 20–60 cm long; the leaflets are oval-shaped, with smooth edges and notched tips, and pinnate venation.2 The leaves range in color from green to yellowish-green to brownish-green.
Moringa Active Compounds
The main chemical content of Moringa leaves is protein, vitamins A, B and C, β-carotene, calcium, iron, and antioxidant compounds (carotenoids, flavonoids, and phenols).1
Health Benefits of Moringa
Adding nutrients
Moringa provides 7x more vitamin C than oranges, 17x more calcium than milk, 9x more protein than yogurt, 15x more potassium than bananas, and 25x more iron than spinach.1
Table of vitamin and mineral content Kelor 1
Literature study 1:Subjects: 28 malnourished toddlers
Research dosage: 2–3.5 g of moringa leaf powder per serving, given three times daily or up to 10 g per day mixed with food
Duration: 30 days
Results: A qualitative improvement in appetite and a significant increase in body weight in 76.9% of the treatment group.2
Literature study 2:
A systematical review encompassing 15 studies examining Moringa leaf supplementation in pregnant women:
Subjects: 808 pregnant women with anemia
Research dosage: 500 mg of Moringa leaf extract per day and 2 g of Moringa leaf powder per day
Duration: 60 days and 90 days
Results: Moringa leaves can increase hemoglobin levels when used in pregnant women with anemia. Most significant results were obtained in combination with iron supplements. No significant side effects were reported during the study.3
Bone Health
Moringa leaves are rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamins essential for bone formation. These nutrients enable bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) to work effectively to build bone mass. Studies in osteoporotic mice have shown that Moringa leaves can increase bone mineral density, improve bone microstructure, and reduce the severity of the disease.4Breast Milk Booster
Moringa leaves have a lactogenic effect, which means they can increase or stimulate breast milk production. This effect stems from natural compounds in moringa leaves, such as phytosterols and polyphenols, which can stimulate the hormone prolactin, which in turn stimulates the mammary glands to produce breast milk. Additionally, moringa leaves are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that help maintain the mother’s health and support the formation and increase of breast milk production.5
Literature Study:There is a systematic review including 8 studies that examined the lactogenic effects of Moringa leaves as follows:
Subjects: 398 participants aged 18–45 years, including postpartum breastfeeding mothers, healthy mothers, and healthy infants
Research dose: 250–900 mg of Moringa leaf powder per day; in one study, Moringa leaf extract was used at 2 × 800 mg per day (1:4 ratio)
Duration: 3-10 days, in 1 study up to 1 month
Results: Consumption of Moringa leaf powder or extract can increase breast milk volume, prolactin levels, and overall maternal health during the postpartum period without significant side effects 5
Safety
A literature review revealed that a 6 month subchronic toxicity study of Moringa leaf water extracts at doses of 10, 100, and 1,000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats showed no differences in organ weight, biochemical parameters, or hematological parameters compared to the control group. Histopathological examination of the organs showed no differences compared to the control group, except in the 100 mg/kg body weight group, where splenomegaly was observed.6 Furthermore, based on the literature from several clinical trials conducted, Moringa leaves have been proven safe for consumption by both children and adults without causing significant side effects.2
Keywords: Moringa; Moringa oleifera; Superfood; Nutritional Supplement; Ringworm; Diuretic; Appetite; Bone Health; Breast Milk Booster
References
Islam Z, Islam SMR, Hossen F, Mahtab UIK, Hasan MR, Karim R.Moringa oleifera is a Prominent Source of Nutrients with Potential Health Benefits. Int J Food Sci. 2021;6627265. doi:10.1155/2021/6627265.
National Agency of Drug and Food Control. The Power of Indonesian Medicine Series: Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.). Badan POM; 2013. ISBN: 978-602-7899-39-1.
Kalam EM, Noor NM, Ishak A, Yusoff SS. Moringa oleifera supplementation for anemic pregnant women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 2024 Jul 29;23(3): 597-609.
Hu XH, Yang XY, Lian J, et al. Moringa oleifera leaf attenuate osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats by modulating gut microbiota composition and MAPK signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother. 2023;161:114434. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114434.
Ammar M, Russo GL, Altamimi A, et al. Moringa oleifera Supplementation as a Natural Galactagogue: A Systematic Review on Its Role in Supporting Milk Volume and Prolactin Levels. Foods. 2025;14(14): 2487. doi:10.3390/foods14142487
Stohs SJ. Hartman MJ. Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa oleifera. Phytother Res. 2015; 29(6):796-804.
Image: Freepik.com
Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Farmakope Herbal Indonesia Edisi II. Kementerian Kesehatan RI; 2017.
