Moringa Gateway

Author(s): Mehta LK, R Balaraman, AH Amin, PA Bafna, OD Gulati
Published in: Journal of Ethnopharmacology.   Feb 12, 2003
Volume: 86 Issue: 1 Pages: 191-195
DOI Number: 10.1016/S0378-8741(03)00075-8
Free Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T8D-488P4PJ-4&_user=10&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=09b6f17289adf856d22cc04f245038a4

The fruit, as well as the leaves and seeds, of the Moringa oleifera is known for its medicinal value. Heart disease is one of many illnesses this fruit may be able to reduce the risk of for future patients. More specifically, the authors of this article tested the fruits' effects on hypercholesterolaemia. If left untreated, this illness can lead to coronary heart disease.

To test this hypothesis, Moringa oleifera fruit was picked and cleaned. The middle portion was then dried and administered to the test subjects. Male rabbits which weighed between 1.5 and 2.5kg were used in this study. They were divided into six groups of six, each group being given varying levels of both the Moringa fruit and of lovastatin in banana pulp. This regimen was given to the rabbits in addition to their normal diet for 120 days.

It was found that the group which had been given 200mg per kg of their body weight of Moringa fruit and 6mg per kg of their body weight of lovastatin had the most advantageous results. This particular group had lower serum cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides. More research must be done to correlate these findings with possible evidence for the fruit to be used in such a manner with humans.