Moringa and diabetes
English Title: Hypoglycemic effect of Moringa oleifera (drumstick) leaf powder on human diabetic subjects and albino rats.
Personal Authors: John, S., Chellappa, A. R.
Author Affiliation: Department of Home Science, Women's Christian College, Chennai - 600 006, India.
Document Title: Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2005 (Vol. 42) (No. 1) 22-29
Abstract:
In human subjects the incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder at eight g/day for a period of 14 days has shown marked reduction in the mean fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose levels. Based on these results, Moringa oleifera leaf powder can be strongly recommended in the daily diet of NIDDM subjects for effective management of diabetes. The fact that there was a rise in the mean plasma glucose levels after withdrawing the Moringa oleifera from the diet has proved that continuous administration of Moringa oleifera powder is mandatory for effective management of diabetes. In experimental rats also, the incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder at 50 mg/day for a period of 21 days has shown marked reduction in fasting and post prandial plasma glucose levels in alloxan induced diabetic rats thereby confirming the hypoglycaemic effect. An extension in the administration period from 14 to 21 days resulted in significant reduction in mean fasting and post-prandial levels thereby indicating that continuous administration would prove to be beneficial in the control of plasma glucose levels. From the histopathological studies, it was observed that there was a mild restoration in the degenerative changes of the islet cells following administration of Moringa oleifera. As the amelioration observed in the cells is mild, further research is warranted to confirm the findings. An overall analysis of the results of the study clearly indicates that Moringa oleifera leaf powder would prove to be a useful, simple, effective, easily available.
Publisher: Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Deemed University
The possible role of Moringa oleifera in HIV/AIDS supportive treatment.
Burger DJ, Fuglie L, Herzig JW; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. F12423.
University, Stellenbosch, South Africa http://www.sun.ac.za/index.asp
Aims: To present Moringa powder supplementation as an immune stimulant for HIV+ people, particularly those who cannot afford good nutrition and medicines in Africa. Introduction: 70% of all HIV positive people live in sub-Saharan Africa where malnutrition is rife. The collapse of the immune system in an HIV+ individual results in the symptoms of AIDS. It is known that certain elements and vitamins (For example Vit C,E,A elements Zinc, Iron ) can stimulate the immune system and thereby improve the health and lifestyle of an individual for many years. ISSUE: Dried leaf powder from the Moringa oleifera is an excellent nutrient source and can easily supplement basic food intake of African people. Moringa is exceptionally rich in Vit A/[beta] carotene, Vit C, E and key elements including selenium, but also contains almost a full RDA of other nutrients required for a healthy lifestyle. Literature reports support a synergism between Nutrition Acquired Immunodeficiency and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This suggests that enhanced nutrition (such as that which can be achieved via Moringa) could benefit a person with AIDS. The effects of Moringa powder supplementation are currently under investigation in a phase 1 clinical trial of HIV patients at the Medical Faculty, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. RECOMMENDATION: Moringa dry leaf powder may be a valuable nutrient for the poor communities of Africa by boosting the immune system to fight infections and thereby enhancing the well-being of HIV+ persons.
