“A Nutritious Source of Inspiration for Health and Wellbeing”
Drumstick Vegetable (Common name in Hindi as Sahjan fali or Sajna) Flower, and Leaf, which is known as the “Miracle Tree” or “Tree of Life” due to its abundance of nutrients and antinutrients, the drumstick plant (Moringa oleifera) is a superfood that has achieved international renown for its remarkable nutritional and therapeutic properties. This tree, which is native to India and is grown extensively in tropical and subtropical climates, is prized for its leaves, blossoms, and drumstick vegetables (pods), all of which are rich in vital nutrients, antioxidants, and medicinal qualities. Drumstick pods, blossoms, and leaves can be used as a natural therapy for several ailments, whether added to contemporary health supplements, herbal remedies, or traditional foods. The drumstick leaf, flower, and vegetable are nutrient-dense, health-promoting superfoods.
Nutritional Profile of Leaf, Flower and Drumstick Pods
The pods, flowers, and leaves of the drumstick (Moringa oleifera) plant are very nutrient-dense and full of vital vitamins and minerals like Ca, K, Zn, Mg, Fe, and Cu, as well as bioactive substances like beta-carotene, pyridoxine, nicotinic acid, and folic acid, which are all found in beta-carotene and greatly improve general health. Along with tannins, sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, anthracenediones, and anthraquinones, it also contains anticarcinogenic substances such as glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, glycosides, and glycerol-1-9-octadecanoate. The pods improve digestive and immunological health since they are high in polyphenols, dietary fibre, and vitamin C. Essential bioactive components found in the flowers help to improve metabolic processes and reduce inflammation. But with their abundance of iron, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as plant-based protein, the leaves are the most nutrient-dense part of the plant. They are a powerful source of antioxidants that lower oxidative stress and help control blood sugar levels, such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid. By decreasing cholesterol and enhancing blood circulation, their cardioprotective qualities improve heart health and minimise the risk of hypertension, blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.
Furthermore, because of their hepatoprotective qualities, which help with detoxification and guard against hepatic damage, they promote liver function. Drumstick leaves’ high polyphenol content aids in toxin neutralisation, improving liver enzyme performance and prevention fatty liver disease. They are also useful in conversations about diet and brain health because of their cognitive advantages, which include enhanced memory retention and brain function. Their capacity to lower tension and improve concentration is especially advantageous for people participating in discussions or other cognitive activities. Consuming drumstick parts on a regular basis can offer a comprehensive approach to health, making them a superfood that is packed with vital nutrients and can support liver, heart, and mental clarity. Below are some of the significant uses that we have covered as
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Culinary Uses of Drumstick Pods: A versatile vegetable, drumsticks can be used in a variety of recipes. For example, South Indian sambar, a flavourful lentil stew, can use drumstick chunks. Stir-fried drumsticks with spices are offered as a supplement
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Culinary Uses of Drumstick Flowers: Fry flower pie with some vegetables is one of the many recipes that can use drumstick flowers. Curry made with drumstick flowers, coconut milk, and spices is a tasty delicacy.
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Culinary Uses of Drumstick Leaves:A detoxifying infusion of herbs. Moringa powder made from drumstick leaves can be used to herbal teas and smoothies. An excellent source of nutrients for boosting immunity is drumstick leaf soup. Stir-fried leaves are a nutritious side dish that are sautéed with spices and garlic.
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Drumstick in Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine:For thousands of years, Ayurveda has utilised the moringa tree to treat a variety of illnesses. Known as “Shigru” in Sanskrit, it is thought to purify the body, increase vigour, and balance the Vata and Kapha doshas.
What is the Moringa oleifera formulation available in the market
Because of its well-established health advantages, Moringa oleifera, also referred to as the drumstick tree, is widely accessible in a variety of formulations on the market. Several popular versions of moringa that are sold as given below are
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Moringa Powder: This is one of the most popular types, made from dried moringa leaves and added to foods or supplements as well as smoothies and drinks.
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Moringa Capsules/Tablets: These are simple capsule or tablet versions of concentrated moringa powder that are frequently sold as dietary supplements for a number of health advantages.
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Moringa Oil: This oil comes from Moringa seeds and is commonly used in skin care and makeup because it moisturises and protects against damage.
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Moringa Tea: An herbal tea made from dried moringa leaves is frequently consumed since it is said to have antioxidant and detoxifying properties.
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Moringa Protein: Moringa leaves are used to make this protein isolate, which is often found in protein powders for exercise fans.
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Moringa Seeds: They are frequently advertised for their anti-inflammatory and detoxifying qualities and can be eaten raw or processed into moringa oil.
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Moringa-Based Cosmetics: Because of its nourishing and antioxidant-rich qualities, moringa is used in skincare products like lotions, soaps, and serums.
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References:
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Oduro, I. , Ellis, W. O. , & Owusu, D. (2008). Nutritional potential of two leafy vegetables: Moringa oleiferaand Ipomoea batatas Scientific Research and Essays, 3, 57–60.
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Asiedu‐Gyekye, I. J., Frimpong‐Manso, S., Awortwe, C., Antwi, D. A., & Nyarko, A. K. (2014). Micro‐ and macro elemental composition and safety evaluation of the nutraceutical Moringa oleifera leaves. Journal of Toxicology, 2014, 1–13.
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Wright, E. , Scism‐Bacon, J. L. , & Glass, L. C. (2006). Oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes: The role of fasting and postprandial glycaemia. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 60, 308–314.
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Wanjiru J, Gathirwa J, Sauli E, Swai HS. Formulation, Optimization, and Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Leaf Polyphenol-Loaded Phytosome Delivery System against Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Molecules. 2022 Jul 11;27(14):4430. doi: 10.3390/molecules27144430. PMID: 35889305; PMCID: PMC9320383.
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Pareek A, Pant M, Gupta MM, Kashania P, Ratan Y, Jain V, Pareek A, Chuturgoon AA. Moringa oleifera: An Updated Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Activities, Ethnomedicinal, Phytopharmaceutical Formulation, Clinical, Phytochemical, and Toxicological Aspects. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 20;24(3):2098. doi: 10.3390/ijms24032098. PMID: 36768420; PMCID: PMC9916933.