Moringa oleifera Lam. · herb
Evidence tier: insufficient
Moringa is the leaf of Moringa oleifera, a fast growing tree native to India and now grown across the tropics. The dried leaf is taken as a powder or in capsules.
Preclinical only. Lab and animal work suggest glucose lowering and antioxidant effects (MSK). In rats, leaf extract lowered T3 by about 30 percent and raised T4, suggesting it slows the conversion of T4 to the active thyroid hormone (PMID 10675284); this has not been shown in people.
Nutrient dense leaf, insufficient clinical evidence. A 2025 meta analysis of 9 randomised trials (341 people on moringa, 308 controls) found no significant effect on weight, cholesterol, fasting glucose, HbA1c or systolic blood pressure; a diastolic blood pressure signal did not hold up, and every outcome was very low certainty (PMID 41305552). Glucose lowering is seen in animal and lab work (MSK), but in fasting healthy volunteers a 500 mg leaf extract did not cause low blood sugar (PMID 28035536). The one area with a pooled human signal is breastfeeding: LactMed reports a meta analysis of 14 studies and 865 people showing higher prolactin and milk volume, though the studies are of mixed quality.
No established effective dose. LiverTox (as transcribed in the July pass, not re read today) notes supplements sold from 100 mg to 1 g, with labelled daily amounts from 500 mg up to several grams. Trials mostly used leaf powder for 4 to 12 weeks (PMID 41305552). Leaf only, never root or bark.
Leaf only, never root or bark [PMID 3352285]. Avoid in pregnancy [MSK]. If you take blood sugar, thyroid or blood thinning medicines, talk to your doctor first [MSK; PMID 10675284; LactMed]. Stop at once if a rash, blistering or swelling appears [MSK].
Pregnancy: avoid
Breastfeeding: avoid
Active compounds: polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids), glucosinolates
Remedies using Moringa · Browse by body system · Check it against what you take
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.