Moringa
Also known as: Moringa oleifera, drumstick tree, horseradish tree
Randomized trials in humans found that 2400 mg/day dry leaf powder for 12 weeks improved fasting glucose and HbA1c trajectories versus placebo in people with prediabetes, and a 30-day pilot trial of an aqueous leaf extract reported better push‑up and treadmill endurance performance and improvements in some oxidative stress markers in young men. Systematic reviews note many in vitro and animal studies, varied phytochemistry and limited clinical data, and raise caution about toxicity at high doses.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 3 indexed studies
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Overview
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf preparations are used as a nutritional and traditional medicinal plant and are sold as powders, capsules or extracts. Human trials report modest glycaemic improvements in people with prediabetes and preliminary improvements in exercise performance and some antioxidant biomarkers, but clinical evidence is limited and heterogeneous.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Moringa leaves contain polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates and other phytochemicals that may exert antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects and influence glucose metabolism; specific human pharmacology is not established in the provided clinical abstracts.
Physiological Role
Provides micronutrients and bioactive phytochemicals that may modulate oxidative stress and glucose regulation when consumed as leaf powder or extracts.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Limited human data suggest possible small improvements in short‑term exercise endurance and strength and favourable changes in antioxidant markers, but findings are preliminary.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 2400 mg/day (dry leaf powder) shown to affect glycaemic markers in one RCT
- Optimal Range
- Not established
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established; systematic reviews note potential toxicity and genotoxicity with overuse in some settings
- Timing
- Daily (studies used daily dosing over weeks)
- Best Format
- Dry leaf powder/capsule or aqueous leaf extract as used in trials
- Bioavailability
- Not established in the provided clinical abstracts
- Absorption Considerations
- Not established in the provided clinical abstracts
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Limited human trials reported no hepatic or renal changes in one RCT
- •Systematic reviews report possible toxicity/genotoxicity with excessive use (based on non‑clinical data)
Contraindications
- Not established from provided human trials; caution advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding given limited data
Drug Interactions
- •Not reported in provided abstracts; theoretical interactions with glucose‑lowering medications should be considered
Who Should Avoid
- •People taking glucose‑lowering drugs unless supervised by a clinician
- •Pregnant or breastfeeding people due to limited safety data
Monitoring
If used for glycaemic control monitor blood glucose and HbA1c; consider liver and kidney function monitoring if high doses or long‑term use are intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Moringa typically used or indicated?
Moringa is most commonly used for: General nutrition, Glycaemic support, Antioxidant support, Exercise/energy support. Provides micronutrients and bioactive phytochemicals that may modulate oxidative stress and glucose regulation when consumed as leaf powder or extracts.
How does Moringa work?
Moringa leaves contain polyphenols, flavonoids, glucosinolates and other phytochemicals that may exert antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory effects and influence glucose metabolism; specific human pharmacology is not established in the provided clinical abstracts.
What is the recommended dose of Moringa?
The optimal range is Not established. with a minimum effective dose of 2400 mg/day (dry leaf powder) shown to affect glycaemic markers in one RCT. Best taken: Daily (studies used daily dosing over weeks). Upper / caution level: Not established; systematic reviews note potential toxicity and genotoxicity with overuse in some settings.
What are the side effects of Moringa?
Reported side effects include: Limited human trials reported no hepatic or renal changes in one RCT; and Systematic reviews report possible toxicity/genotoxicity with excessive use (based on non‑clinical data). Monitoring: If used for glycaemic control monitor blood glucose and HbA1c; consider liver and kidney function monitoring if high doses or long‑term use are intended.
Does Moringa interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not reported in provided abstracts; theoretical interactions with glucose‑lowering medications should be considered. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Moringa?
Moringa is generally not recommended for: People taking glucose‑lowering drugs unless supervised by a clinician; Pregnant or breastfeeding people due to limited safety data; and Not established from provided human trials; caution advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding given limited data.
How strong is the evidence for Moringa?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 59/100), based on 3 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (3)
Moringa oleifera Leaf Supplementation as a Glycemic Control Strategy in Subjects with Prediabetes.
Double‑blind, randomized, placebo‑controlled trial in subjects with prediabetes comparing 2400 mg/day dry Moringa leaf powder to placebo for 12 weeks; glycaemia, appetite hormones and microbiota were assessed.
Moringa oleifera leaf extracts improve exercise performance in young male adults: A pilot study.
Randomized pilot study in young male adults given an aqueous extract of Moringa leaves or placebo for 30 days; assessed strength, treadmill endurance and blood biochemical parameters including oxidative stress markers.
Moringa oleifera capsule and diet in young women with dropout school.
Quasi‑experimental, randomized double‑blind pre‑post trial of Moringa leaf extract capsules in adolescent girls who had dropped out of school, assessing changes in dietary patterns.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/moringa
SuppIndex. (2026). Moringa: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/moringa
Based on 3 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Commonly combined with multinutrient supplements; watch for additive glucose‑lowering effects when combined with antidiabetic agents.