MORINGA
General nutrition
The immature green pods called
“drumstick” are probably the most
valued and widely used part of the
tree. They are commonly consumed in
India and are generally prepared in a
similar fashion to green beans and
have a slight asparagus taste. The
seeds are sometimes removed from
more mature pods and eaten like peas
or roasted like nuts. The flowers are
edible when cooked, and are said to
taste like mushrooms. The roots are
shredded and used as a condiment in
the same way as horseradish;
however, it contains the alkaloid
spirochin,[3] a potentially fatal nerveparalyzing agent. The presence of this
compound is not worrying because
large amounts are required to elicit
deleterious effects, and spirochin even
displays antibacterial properties when
consumed in smaller amounts. [4]
spinach, its leaves are commonly dried
and crushed into a powder, and used
in soups and sauces. Murungakai, as it
is locally known in Tamil Nadu and
Kerala, is used in Siddha medicine.
The tree is a good source for calcium
and phosphorus. In Siddha medicines,
these drumstick seeds are used as a
sexual virility drug for treating erectile
dysfunction in men and also in women
for prolonging sexual activity.
Moringa leaves and pods are helpful in
increasing breast milk in the
breastfeeding months. One tablespoon
of leaf powder provide 14% of the
protein, 40% of the calcium, 23% of
the iron and most of the vitamin A
needs of a child aged one to three. Six
tablespoons of leaf powder will provide
nearly all of the woman's daily iron and
calcium needs during pregnancy and
breastfeeding. The Moringa seeds
yield 38–40% edible oil (called ben oil
from the high concentration of behenic
acid contained in the oil). The refined
oil is clear, odorless, and resists
rancidity at least as well as any other
botanical oil. The seed cake remaining
after oil extraction may be used as a
fertilizer or as a flocculent to purify
water.[6] The bark, sap, roots, leaves,
seeds, oil, and flowers are used in
traditional medicine in several
countries. In Jamaica, the sap is used
for a blue dye.
The flowers are also cooked and
relished as a delicacy in West Bengal
and Bangladesh, especially during
early spring. There it is called shojne
ful and is usually cooked with green
peas and potato.
[edit] Malnutrition
Sonjna (Moringa oleifera) leaf in
Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
The leaves are highly nutritious, being
a significant source of beta-carotene,
Vitamin C, protein, iron, and
potassium.[5] The leaves are cooked
and used like spinach. In addition to
being used fresh as a substitute for
Moringa trees have been used to
combat malnutrition, especially among
infants and nursing mothers. Three
non-governmental organizations in
particular — Trees for Life (United
States), Church World Service, and
Educational Concerns for Hunger
Organization — have advocated
Moringa as “natural nutrition for the
tropics.” Leaves can be eaten fresh,
cooked, or stored as dried powder for
many months without refrigeration, and
reportedly without loss of nutritional
value. Moringa is especially promising
as a food source in the tropics
because the tree is in full leaf at the
end of the dry season when other
foods are typically scarce.[7] A large
number of reports on the nutritional
qualities of Moringa now exist in both
the scientific and the popular literature.
It is commonly said that Moringa
leaves contain more Vitamin A than
carrots, more calcium than milk, more
iron than spinach, more Vitamin C than
oranges, and more potassium than
bananas,” and that the protein quality
of Moringa leaves rivals that of milk
and eggs.[citation needed] However, the
leaves and stem of M. oleifera are
known to have large amounts of their
calcium bound in calcium oxalate
crystals,[8] which is not a form of
calcium available to the body. Whether
the claim of "more calcium than milk"
includes this non-bioavailable calcium
needs to be addressed. The oral
histories recorded by Lowell Fuglie in
Senegal and throughout West Africa
report countless instances of lifesaving
nutritional rescue that are attributed to
Moringa.[9] In fact, the nutritional
properties of Moringa are now so wellknown that there seems to be little
doubt of the substantial health benefit
to be realized by consumption of
Moringa leaf powder in situations
where starvation is imminent.
Nonetheless, the outcomes of wellcontrolled and well-documented
clinical studies would still be clearly of
great value.[7] In many cultures
throughout the tropics, differentiation
between food and medicinal uses of
plants (e.g. bark, fruit, leaves, nuts,
seeds, tubers, roots, and flowers), is
very difficult because plant uses span
both categories, and this is deeply
ingrained in the traditions and the
fabric of the community.[10] In
traditional Indian medicine, children
and adults used to drink a cup of
decoction (kasayam) every Sunday,
normally after an oil bath, made of
ginger, garlic, a piece of Murungai tree
bark (Murungai pattai ..in Tamil) and
Mavelingam tree bark (mavelinga
pattai, and the root nodules of Kolinji
plant (a leguminous plant with nitrogen
nodules in the root).
Moringa is common in India, where its
triangular, ribbed pods with winged
seeds are used as a vegetable crop. It
is particularly suitable for dry regions.
The drumstick can be grown using
rainwater without expensive irrigation
techniques. The yield is good even if
the water supply is not. The tree can
be grown even on land covered with
10–90 cm of mud.
Moringa is grown in home gardens and
as living fences in Thailand, where it is
commonly sold in local markets.[12] In
the Philippines, Moringa is commonly
grown for its leaves, which are used in
soup.[13] The leaves (called dahon ng
malunggay in Tagalog, bulung
malungge Kapampangan or dahon sa
kamunggay in Cebuano) are
commonly sold in local markets.
Moringa is also actively cultivated by
the AVRDC in Taiwan. The AVRDC is
"the principal international center for
vegetable research and development
in the world. Its mission is to reduce
poverty and malnutrition in developing
countries through improved production
and consumption of vegetables."
leaf vegetable, particularly in the
Philippines, South India and Africa.
The Moringa pod is known as
"munga", saragwa or saragwe in India
and is often referred to as "drumstick"
in English. In South India, it is used to
prepare a variety of sambar and is also
fried. In other parts of India, especially
West Bengal and also in a neighboring
country like Bangladesh, it is enjoyed
very much. It is made into a variety of
curry dishes by mixing with coconut,
poppy seeds, and mustard or boiled
until the drumsticks are semi-soft and
consumed directly without any extra
processing or cooking. It is used in
curries, sambars, kormas, and dals,
although it is also used to add flavor to
cutlets, etc. In Maharashtra, the pods
are used in sweet & sour curries called
Aamatee.
Tender drumstick leaves, finely
chopped, are used as garnish for
vegetable dishes, dals, sambars,
salads, etc. It is also used in place of
or along with coriander, as these
leaves have high medicinal value. In
some regions the flowers are gathered
and cleansed to be cooked with besan
to make pakoras.
It is also preserved by canning and
exported worldwide.
CULINARY USES
PHILIPPINES
The fruit of the tree is quite popular as
a vegetable in Asia and Africa. The
fruit is a long thin pod resembling a
drumstick. The fruit itself is called
drumstick in India and elsewhere.
Moringa leaves are also eaten as a
leaf vegetable, particularly in the
Philippines, South India and Africa.
In the Philippines, the leaves are
widely eaten. Bunches of leaves are
available in many markets, priced
below many other leaf vegetables. The
leaves are most often added to a broth
to make a simple and highly nutritious
soup. The leaves are also sometimes
used as a characteristic ingredient in
tinola, a traditional chicken dish
consisting of chicken in a broth,
Moringa leaves, and either green
papaya or another secondary
vegetable. The leaves can also be
processed with olive oil and salt for a
pesto-like pasta sauce that has
become popular on the Filipino
culinary scene.
INDIA
The fruit of the tree is quite popular as
a vegetable in Asia and Africa. The
fruit is a long thin pod resembling a
drumstick. The fruit itself is called
drumstick in India and elsewhere.
Moringa leaves are also eaten as a
The leaves are now used in making
"polvoron", which is a milky and
powdered snack, bio-fuel, and moringa
oil.
In Leyte, extracted moringa juice is
mixed with lemonsito juice to make ice
candies or cold drinks, making it more
palatable and agreeable to children
who detest vegetables.
On September 14, 2007, Senator
Loren Legarda campaigned for the
popularization of Moringa. She asked
the government to make Moringa
among its priority crops for
propagation. The Bureau of Plant
Industry, in its report, stated that
weight per weight, Moringa leaves
have the calcium equivalent of 4
glasses of milk, the vitamin C content
of 7 oranges, potassium of 3 bananas,
3 times the iron of spinach, 4 times the
amount of vitamin A in carrot, and 2
times the protein in milk. Moringa also
helps to purify water, a cheaper
alternative to mechanical filtration.[
MALDIVES
The leaves are often fried and mixed
with dried-fried tuna chips (Maldive
fish), onions and dried chillies. This is
equivalent to a sambal and eaten
along with rice and curry or Garudhiya.
The pods are called "Muranga Tholhi"
and it is used to cook a mild curry
called "Kiru Garudhiya".
OTHER USES
The tree's bark, roots, fruit, flowers,
leaves, seeds, and gum are also used
medicinally. Uses include as an
antiseptic and in treating rheumatism,
venomous bites, and other conditions.
Extract from the seeds is used as a
flocculant in a low-cost form of water
treatment. In February 2010, Current
Protocols in Microbiology published a
step by step extraction and treatment
procedure to produce "90.00% to
99.99%" bacterial reduction.[16]
The seeds are also considered an
excellent biofuel source for making
biodiesel.
Benefits
Elevated Blood Pressure
Blood pressure tends to rise with age.
Following a healthy lifestyle helps
some people delay or prevent this rise
in blood pressure.
High blood pressure increases your
chance (or risk) for getting heart
disease and/or kidney disease, and for
having a stroke. It is especially
dangerous since it often has no
warning signs or symptoms.
Regardless of race, age, or gender,
anyone can develop high blood
pressure. It is estimated that one in
every four American adults has high
blood pressure. Once high blood
pressure develops, it usually lasts a
lifetime.
High blood pressure can eventually
cause blood vessels in the eye to burst
or bleed. Vision may become blurred
or otherwise impaired and can result in
blindness. As people get older, arteries
throughout the body “harden,”
especially those in the heart, brain,
and kidneys. High blood pressure is
associated with these “stiffer” arteries.
This, in turn, causes the heart and
kidneys to work harder. The kidneys
act as filters to rid the body of wastes.
Over time, high blood pressure can
narrow and thicken the blood vessels
of the kidneys. The kidneys filter less
fluid, and waste builds up in the blood.
The kidneys may fail altogether.
High blood pressure is a major risk
factor for heart attack. The arteries
bring oxygen-carrying blood to the
heart muscle. If the heart cannot get
enough oxygen, chest pain, also
known as “angina,” can occur. If the
flow of blood is blocked, a heart attack
results. High blood pressure is the
number one risk factor for congestive
heart failure (CHF). CHF is a serious
condition in which the heart is unable
to pump enough blood to supply the
body’s needs.
The important nutrients needed by a
person suffering from high blood
pressure are Calcium, Magnesium,
Potassium, Zinc, and Vitamin E.
Moringa contains these entire nutrient
in it. Moringa contains Vitamin C helps
support the body’s production of nitric
oxide, which is critical to normal
functioning of blood vessels. The
better your blood vessels work, the
lower your risk of hypertension.
Calcium is needed for smooth muscle
relaxation and contraction; increased
consumption can have a direct effect
on blood vessels. It’s best to get your
calcium from your diet; studies have
found that compared with
supplements, dietary calcium has
twice the benefits for blood pressure.
Potassium content of the Moringa is 15
times more compared to Banana.
Potassium acts by increasing sodium
excretion in the urine, which helps
blood vessels dilate, and changing the
interactions of hormones that affect
blood pressure.
Diet high in magnesium benefits those
with hypertension, most likely by
contributing to the relaxation of the
smooth muscles of the blood vessels.
Moringa also contains magnesium
along with zinc and vitamin E which
takes part in decreasing the blood
pressure along with other nutrients.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where
the human body does not produce or
properly uses insulin, a hormone that
is required to convert sugar, starches,
and other food into energy. Diabetes
mellitus is characterized by constant
high levels of blood glucose (sugar).
Human body has to maintain the blood
glucose level at a very narrow range,
which is done with insulin and
glucagons.
The abnormally high blood sugar
(hyperglycemia) resulting from
insufficient levels of the hormone
insulin which is characteristic
symptoms polyuria, polydipsia,
glucoseuria, unexplained weight loss,
and lethargy. There are two types of
diabetes: Type I diabetes known as
insulin dependent diabetes and Type II
diabetes refer to insulin non dependent
diabetes. Diabetes II can be avoided
through proper dieting, medication and
regular exercise.
Diabetes will lead to complications
such as retinopathy, neuropathy,
nephropathy, cardiovascular problems
etc., researchers recently reported that
vitamin D is essential for the islet cells
in the pancreas to be able to secrete
insulin properly. The studies have
shown that individuals with low
vitamin D levels experienced the worst
blood sugar-handling problems and
had a greater risk of developing
diabetes. Moringa as a rich source of
ascorbic acid helps in insulin secretion.
It is interesting to note that certain
nutrients like vitamins B1, B2, B12,
pantothenic acid, vitamin C, protein
and potassium – along with small
frequent meals containing some
carbohydrate – can actually stimulate
production of insulin within the body.
Vitamin A as an antioxidant helps
convert beta-carotene efficiently, which
reduces the risk of blindness in
diabetics. Vitamin B 12 can help
people suffering form diabetic
neuropathy. High dose supplements of
vitamin C have been shown to prevent
sorbitol accumulation and
glycosylation of proteins, both of which
are important factors in the
development of diabetic complications
such as cataracts. Studies have shown
that a low vitamin-E concentration was
associated with a 3.9 times greater risk
of developing diabetes. Vitamin E
reduces oxidative stress, thus
improving membrane physical
characteristics and related activities in
glucose transport. This antioxidant
promotes healing of diabetes-related
lesions. Magnesium helps in the
metabolism of glycogen, Mg works
closely with vitamin B 6 to help the
metabolic process with in the cell.
Moringa has all these nutrients and
helps the diabetic patient control their
blood glucose level.
Antioxidant Properties To Boost
Your Immune System
If you want to stay healthy, you need
to feed your body properly. Although it
is recommended to eat several
servings of fruits and vegetables, the
food pyramid is considered by many to
be inadequate for individuals who are
trying to maintain their optimum health.
So we need supplements which will
provide the entire essential nutrients
needed by our body.
Moringa is recommended as nutrient
supplement because it helps digest the
food by supplying the minerals for
effective digestion. This will help your
body to totally absorb all the food
nutrients.
The Moringa plant provides a rich and
rare combination of zeatin, quercetin,
β-sitosterol, caffeoylquinic acid and
kaempferol. Moringa Oleifera is very
important for its medicinal value.
Various parts of this plant such as the
leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers
and immature pods act as cardiac
and circulatory stimulants, possess
antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic,
anti-inflammatory, antiulcer,
antispasmodic, diuretic,
antihypertensive, cholesterol
lowering, antioxidant, antidiabetic,
hepatoprotective, antibacterial and
antifungal properties.
Oxidative by-products of normal
metabolism cause extensive damage
to DNA, protein, and lipid. This
damage (the same as that produced
by radiation) is a major contributor to
aging and to degenerative diseases
such as cancer, cardiovascular
disease, immune-system decline,
brain dysfunction and cataracts.
Research is increasingly showing that
those who eat antioxidant-rich foods
reap health benefits. Moringa
supplements can boost antioxidant
levels, Moringa contains 46
antioxidants that helps the cells
neutralize the free radicals due to
oxidative stress.
Antioxidants are also involved in the
prevention of cellular damage — the
common pathway for cancer, aging,
and a variety of diseases. Athletes
have a keen interest because of health
concerns and the prospect of
enhanced performance and/or
recovery from exercise. Increased
intake of vitamin E is a protection
against exercise induced oxidative
damage. Moringa contains Vitamin E
that neutralizes these damaging
conditions.
Anti-Aging
Aging affects our social environment.
Symptoms of old age includes wrinkles
and liver spots on the skin, hair loss ,
lessened hearing , poor eyesight ,
slower reaction times and agility ,
reduced ability to think clearly ,
difficulty recalling memories , greater
susceptibility to bone diseases such as
osteoarthritis. Elderly people tend to
have lower body temperatures and
infections that would cause fever.
Elderly pneumonia sufferers may
present symptoms such as rapid
breathing, reduced appetite and
reduced functioning. Elderly urinary
tract infection sufferers may present
symptoms such as incontinence,
confusion and may suffer from falls.
Malunggay is rich in vitamin to the
extent that it is one of the richest plant
source of Vitamins. Moringa has
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1
(Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin),
Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6
Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin),
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D
(Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E
(Tocopherol) and Vitamin K. Vitamin A
is needed to prevent night blindness,
promotes healthy skin, and fights
infections. Vitamin C is needed to
maintain healthy gums, assists in
healing wounds, and helps the body
use iron. Vitamin E will protect your
body against free radical damage to
cells. Calcium and Vitamin D are
essential to maintain strong bones
and teeth.
The list of Minerals present in
Malunggay is abundant and few of the
main minerals include Calcium,
Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium,
Manganese and Zinc. Calcium is one
of the most important minerals for the
growth, maintenance, and
reproduction of the human body. Blood
coagulation, transmission of nerve
impulses, muscle contraction and
relaxation, normal heart beat,
stimulation of hormone secretion,
activation of enzyme reactions, as well
as other functions, all require small
amounts of calcium. After age 50,
more calcium or 1,200 milligrams are
needed to prevent a disease called
osteoporosis. As you age, minerals in
your bones are lost and bones may get
thinner.
Malunggay contains all the essential
minerals needed for maintaining strong
bones. Good nutrition can help lessen
the effects of diseases prevalent
among elderly population and improve
their quality of life.
Malunggay is the richest source of
Calcium. Malunggay has 17 times
more Calcium than that of milk, helps
to prevent the occurrence of
osteoporosis during old age and
strengthen the bones of the young and
middle age people. Malunggay, with
25 times more Iron than that of
Spinach, helps in the formation of
hemoglobin and myoglobin, which
carry the oxygen in the blood and the
muscle. Iron also makes up part of
many proteins and enzymes in the
body, deficiency of which leads to the
weakening of the immune system,
helps in improving the mental ability
as the oxygen supply to the brain
increases.
Malunggay with 15 times the
potassium in Banana assists in the
regulation of the acid-base and water
balance in the blood and the body
tissues. Body proteins are constantly
being made and used during your
lifetime to maintain cell and organ
functions. Adequate protein intake and
protein reserves are important for older
adults, especially during periods of
emotional and physical stresses.
Protein helps to prevent muscle loss.
As the richest source of Calcium and
Potassium it helps in the reducing the
blood pressure. It assists in protein
synthesis from amino acids and in
carbohydrate metabolism. Malunggay
capsules are the best natural
supplement which provides all the
necessary nutrients needed by the
body. The bioavailability of the
nutrients in Malunggay more
compared to other supplement as
Malunggay is 100% natural.
Athletes and Active Life Styles
Constant practice is the key to the
success of athletes and sportsmen.
But the real secret behind is proper
nutrition. Moringa provides people with
active lifestyle all the essential
vitamins, minerals and protein and
helps them in various ways and mainly
to improve their strength. Moringa
provides the body with 100% natural
Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calcium Iron and
many other nutrients. These nutrients
are readily bio-available and helps to
boost energy instantly. In contrast to
caffeine, Moringa not only adds energy
but also supplies essential nutrients for
the body.
Improves Endurance
Moringa, with its high Vitamin A and
Vitamin C contents, combined with its
extraordinary Iron content. Helps to
improve the hemoglobin content of the
blood. This in turn helps the blood to
deliver more oxygen to the muscles
during aerobic and endurance
exercises. The increased Oxygen
carried by the blood also helps to
increase the metabolic rate and assists
in burning unwanted fat deposited in
the body.
Moringa Oil for Young Looking Skin
Moringa Oil or Ben oil is obtained by
pressing the seeds of Moringa Oilefera
Tree. Moringa oil is the most stable oil
in nature and it does not go rancid.
Moringa oil has numerous applications
in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical
industry.
The Moringa seeds yield 38–40%
edible oil (called ben oil, from the high
concentration of behenic acid
contained in the oil) that can be used
in cooking and cosmetics. Its nutrientrich leaves and seeds can be eaten,
and the oil pressed from its seeds is
chock-full of radiance-boosting fatty
acids and vitamins A and C. Beauty
companies around the world are now
bringing the oil’s skin-smoothing depuffing benefits to you in brand-new
moisturizers.
Moringa oil possesses exceptional
oxidative stability which may explain
why the Egyptians placed vases of
Moringa oil in their tombs. The healing
properties of Moringa oil, also known
as behen oil, were documented by
ancient cultures. It has tremendous
cosmetic value and is used in body
and hair care as a moisturizer and skin
conditioner. Moringa oil has been used
in skin preparations and ointments
since Egyptian times. This is very long
lasting oil with a shelf life of up to 5
years.
Applications of Moringa Oil is highly
valued in the cosmetic industry for its
unique property. Moringa oil is light
and spreads easily on the skin. It is
best for massage and aromatherapy
applications.
The antioxidants and the nutrients
present in the Moringa oil help to curb
the activity of free radicals on the skin.
The free radicals are the agents that
cause damage to the skin tissues and
pave way for skin wrinkles.
Antioxidants rich Moringa Oil, curbs
the activities of free radicals and hence
finds a place in the anti-ageing
creams.
Moringa seed oil contains antiseptic
and anti-inflammatory properties,
which help heal minor skin complaints
such as cuts, bruises, burns, insect
bites, rashes and scrapes quickly The
addition of Moringa seed oil produces
a rich and creamy lather and, unlike
any other plant-based oil, actually
increases the cleansing ability. It
clears pimples and prevents
recurrence, if used regularly; it
removes wrinkles and will prevent;
sagging of facial muscles; helps clears
black heads and spots; makes face
glow and helps to tighten the skin
pores.
Skin moisturizing benefits are derived
from the fact that moringa seed oil is
high in vitamins A and C and
unsaturated fatty acids. Moringa seed
oil contains antiseptic and antiinflammatory properties, which help
heal minor skin complaints such as
cuts, bruises, burns, insect bites,
rashes and scrapes quickly. Moringa
oil is also helpful for purposes of
tanning or maintaining a tan. This oil is
rich in copper and calcium, which are
important nutrients for the skin.
Moringa oil is a very stable carrier
which is highly nutritious to the skin
and similar in composition to olive oil
but much lighter. It is a powerful
natural antioxidant with excellent skin
smoothing properties.
http://www.moringasource.com/blog/pa
ge/3
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&
mo=&fi=p101120.htm&no=58
PHILIPPINE INFORMATION
AGENCY
Feature: A second
look at the lowly
malunggay
Butuan City (20
November) -- Malunggay
known scientifically as
Moringa Oleifera Lamk is
one of the world's most
useful plants. It is
cultivated in all countries
of the tropics. It is easy to
plant, and is available
year-round. It is used as
food: food, effective
flocculants, antibiotics,
oils, and coagulants for
turbid waters. It is called
"mother's best friend" and
"miracle vegetable by
many who have known its
beneficial effects. In fact,
it is used as the logo of
the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the
Department of Science
and Technology (FNRIDOST).
One hundred grams (1
cup cooked) of malunggay
leaves contain 3.1 g.
protein, 0.6 g. fiber, 96 mg
calcium, 29 mg
phosphorus, 1.7 mg iron,
2,820 mg B-carotene,
0.07 mg thiamin, 0.14 mg
riboflavin, 1.1 mg niacin,
and 53 mg ascorbic acid
or vitamin C.
The antioxidant activity of
malunggay is about 71%
with oc-tocopherol
(vitamin E) equivalent of
45.
The leaves are
outstanding as sources of
Vitamin A, B-vitamins and
minerals such as calcium
and iron. The calcium
content is very high for a
plant. Iron content is like
wise very good. It is even
an excellent source of
protein being higher than
the amino acid pattern of
FAO reference protein,
and a very low source of
fat and carbohydrates.
The leaves are
incomparable as a source
of the sulfur-containing
amino acids methionine
and cystine, which are
often in short supply.
Due to its high vitamins A,
C, and E, which are very
potent antioxidants,
malunggay is a very good
quencher of unstable freeradicals that can react
with and damage other
molecules. Antioxidants
reduce the appearance of
wrinkles and fine lines.
They also prevent the
onset of various chronic
diseases like arthritis,
cancer, and heart and
kidney diseases.
Malunggay contains the
phytochemical niasiminin,
which has anti-tumor
potential, (Faisi et al.,
1992) and correlated with
inhibitory ability against
superoxide generation.
The first naturallyoccuring thiocarbamates,
novel hypotensive agents
niazinin A, niazinin B,
niazimicin and niaziminin
A and B were isolated
from malunggay.
Malunggay is called a
"miracle vegetable"
because it is not only a
food, it is also a medicine.
It may therefore be a
functional food, as
popularly known these
days. Malunggay helps in
good eyesight, helps in
digestion, facilities bowel
movement, and a cure for
stomach aches. It is used
to cleanse wounds and
ulcers. It helps in cases
like scurvy, asthma,
earache and headaches.
Due to its high calcium
content, it is consumed by
lactating mothers to
produce more milk for
their babies, hence, called
"mother's best friend".
Malunggay is usually
cooked with chicken as
tinola, or with fish and
other vegetables, mongo
soup dishes and blanched
as salads. (Lydia M.
Marero, FNRI-DOST/PIACaraga) [top]