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Moringa

Moringa oleifera

Moringa is the fastest-growing herbal supplement in South Africa and is grown locally. The leaf is nutrient-dense, but trials so far show little measurable effect on blood sugar, cholesterol or weight.

What it is

Moringa oleifera, the "drumstick tree", is fast-growing and drought-tolerant and is now farmed in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. The dried leaves are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals by weight and have been used as a food supplement in many feeding programmes.

A capsule holds only about half a gram, so the nutrient contribution of a few capsules is modest. Moringa works better as a food powder if nutrition is the goal; capsules suit people who dislike the taste.

What the research says

Blood sugar, cholesterol, weight

Limited

A 2025 meta-analysis of nine randomised trials (about 650 people) found no significant effect on fasting glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol or weight. Certainty was rated very low.

Blood pressure

Limited

The same review found a modest fall in diastolic pressure, but the result was not robust.

Amounts used in studies

Trials used anything from under 1 g to 60 g a day of leaf powder, for two weeks to six months.

Who should avoid it

  • Moringa root and bark preparations, especially in pregnancy.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding, unless your clinician agrees to leaf powder.

Medicines to watch

  • Diabetes and blood-pressure medicines: may add to their effect.
  • Thyroid medicine (levothyroxine): animal data suggest an effect on thyroid hormones; ask your pharmacist.

What to look for when buying

  • Leaf powder should be bright green. Brown or dull powder is old or poorly dried.
  • Locally grown moringa is a selling point; ask for the farm and a microbiology result.

Common questions

Is moringa a "superfood"?

The leaf is genuinely nutrient-dense, but a few capsules give a small amount. Calling it a superfood overstates what the research shows.

Why does it taste grassy?

That is normal for dried leaf. Capsules avoid the taste entirely.

Sources

  1. Moringa supplementation and cardiometabolic outcomes: meta-analysis (Nutrients, 2025)

Last reviewed 19 October 2026 by Spicewell editorial team. How we write our guides

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 or taking medication.