Moringa(Moringa oleifera) has earned a place amongst foods such as chia, camu, maca, etc. being are classified as a “superfood” by the nutrition world. The definition of a super food is a food rich in nutrients which can be beneficial to one’s health and well-being.1What exactly is Moringa and why is it considered a superfood? Moringa oleifera is a member of the Mornigaceae family and the order Brassicales. You may know this order as it also includes cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. M. Oleifera is native to India with medicinal properties attributed to compounds found in the leaves, seed pods and parts of the tree.2 This superfood has demonstrated to contain nutrients that fight cancer, inflammation, increase insulin sensitivity to name few. M. oleifera also has hepatoprotective properties. It contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and saponins attributing to beneficial effects on blood lipids increasing HDL cholesterol and decreasing LDL and VLDL cholesterol. It also contains quercetin and kaempferol which may contribute to the hepatoprotective properties as these have demonstrated to have a protective effect in “hepatocyte growth factor-induced oxidation.”3
Studies have shown evidence of these hepatoprotective and lipid lowering propertiesM. oleifera leaf. In a study done 2017, guinea pigs induced with hepatic steatosis were divided in to three groups consisting of a control, Low Moringa(LM) or High Moringa(HM) group. Hepatoprotective effects were measured by changes in ALT, AST (markers of liver damage) and cholesterol as well as levels of liver inflammatory proteins and hepatic gene expression of pathways that effect liver health. Lower amounts of PPAR and DGAT2 expression, involved in cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory pathways, were demonstrated in the High Moringa(HM) group as well as a decrease in inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-10 and IFNɣ in comparison to the Low Moringa(LM) and control groups.3
Another study revealed M. oleifera also has chemo preventative and hepatoprotective properties against the effects of hepatotoxic compounds. In this study, Wistar rats were exposed to common a xenobiotic 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene(DMBA), which has been shown to induce oxidative damage significantly decreasing glutathione levels as well affecting AST and ALT enzymes. Results from this experiment revealed a hydroethanolic extract of M. oleifera expressed hepatocellular antioxidant protection against this infectious agent by “restoring enzyme activity” and efficacy of the Phase 1 Cytochrome p40 enzymes.4
Moringa is a great addition to your diet for overall liver health. It comes usually in a powder and can be added to shakes, yogurts, etc. To start, add ½ tsp of M. oleifera powder and eventually work your way up to a tsp.
NOTE: Due to the effects on blood pressure and insulin regulation it is recommended consult your doctor about using M.oleifera if you are on medications for any of these conditions as they have the potential to cause drug/nutrient interactions.
References:
1. Definition of superfood. Google Dictionary. https://www.google.com/search?q=definition+of+superfood&oq=definition+of+superfood&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l2.6064j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8. Accessed September 4, 2018.
2. Moringa. Wikepedia Online Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moringa_oleifera. Updated August 2, 2018. Accessed September 4, 2018.
3. Almatrafi, MM et. al. Moringa Leaves Prevent Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Guinea Pigs by Reducing the Expression of Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism. International Journal of Molecular Science.2017. 18(7):1330. Article retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535825/.
4. Sharma, V., Paliwal, R., Janmeda, P., Sharma, S. Chemopreventatitive Efficacy of Moringa oleifera Pods against 7, 12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene Induced Hepatic Carcinogenesis in Mice. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.2012. 13(6) 2563-2569. Article retrieved from. http://journal.waocp.org/article_26541_66f8d79a944fab502155a65ded13f27f.pdf.
