Moringa is an act of faith, but it worked for me

Unfortunately, the science is scanty, not because any study has been run that found a weak link, but because the studies have not been run. Tests do show improved digestion in animals, but scientists argue that they were of large doses compared with the amounts humans take.

In my own experiment, I started by taking a tablespoon the same evening after leaving the clinic and, since June last year, the instances of constipation I was experiencing are now much reduced, at just once in a while, though I have to spend Sh300 for the 250grams of Moringa I use every two months.

My experience comes alongside a growing number of users of the miracle tree, as moringa is commonly called, who are using it to improve their nutrition, balance sugar levels, blood pressure and improve digestion by adding the green powder to food.

Used traditionally, it’s scientifically testing remains weak across the board, but clues are emerging that, so far, support the claims it delivers better health.

A review of 20 clinical studies of moringa published by PubMed on May 2026 found it did lower blood glucose and blood pressure, though the researchers described the findings as preliminary because of differences in study quality and design.

“The results indicated that Moringa oleifera consumption significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) by weighted mean differences and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)…Further research is necessary to confirm these findings,” said the review.

But it does seem to be confirmed that moringa delivers a protein boost.

A study in 2021 published by the Wiley found moringa leaves contain good levels of protein. “It is identified as alternative protein sources which can meet a regular demand of malnourished people.”

According to the study, people in many countries consume almost all parts of Moringa Oleifera, as fresh leaves added to cooking, or as dried powder added in cakes and cookies during baking.

Moringa seeds are also edible when either green or dry, with the same study finding that as well as proteins, with the leaves containing amino acids at levels comparable to meat proteins, they bring a host of other nutritional benefits

“In terms of antioxidants, Moringa tree can be contemplated as a great source as it shows a higher production capacity than conventional plant-derived sources. Extracts from Moringa tree are capable of producing multiple types of components.”

Meanwhile , consumers such as myself, who have used moringa powder, continue to report improved digestion and reduced constipation at a personal level, although another scientific gap is on any health risks.

Few toxicity studies have been done on moringa, but a review published by Oxford Academic found liquid extracts from moringa flowers were poisonous for water snails. Any other effect – no one knows, it just hasn’t been tested.