Against gastritis, colitis and anxiety we have a new ally, moringa oleifera! In fact, both the seeds and the leaves of this miraculous plant, which is not called the tree of life for nothing, have been shown to counteract gastric ulcers, to protect the mucous membranes of the stomach and colon and to induce relaxation with an anxiolytic action. This emerges from three very recent researches. The first appeared in the journal Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy by a team from Cameroon (Noubissi et al, Biomed Pharmacother, 2022), the second in the journal Frontier in Immunology by a Chinese team (Hong et al, Front Immunol, 2022), finally the third in the Saudi Journal of Biological Science by a group of Tunisian scientists (Dalhoumi et al, Saudi J Biol Sci, 2022).
Moringa leaves against anxiety and colitis
The first research was carried out in the laboratory on a population of rats, all with colitis. Mice were given aqueous extracts of moringa oleifera leaves. What emerged was that moringa was able to calm the anxiety and restlessness that often accompany conditions such as colitis and other intestinal inflammation. Then, noteworthy is the fact that moringa has made it possible to reduce the damage of free radicals, caused by colitis, at the level of the intestinal mucosa, increasing the antioxidants and thus the defense capacity of the colon.
Moringa seeds to fight colitis
Not only the leaves, even the seeds of the moringa have been shown to protect the intestinal mucosa in case of colitis. In fact, moringa seeds are anti-inflammatory. The study carried out in the laboratory showed that, in case of colitis, the intake of moringa seeds improved the symptoms of this condition, also protecting the intestinal barrier. In particular, the action of moringa seeds was twofold, on the one hand by counteracting inflammatory processes, on the other by supporting the intestinal microbiota.
Moringa against gastritis
The third study took place in the laboratory where the scientists tested the effects of moringa tea on the gastric mucosa on a population of mice. Well, what has emerged is that the infusion of moringa leaves has been able to protect the gastric mucosa, helping to prevent ulcers. These beneficial properties are due to the antioxidant substances contained in the leaves of this plant, such as flavonoids, carotenoids and beta sitosterol. Not only that, moringa has also been shown to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid, thus regulating the pH of the stomach.
Moringa, how to take it and warnings
Moringa is a well-known and appreciated remedy, with a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action and also helpful to fight diabetes. And from today we have other, very important, reasons for taking moringa, since this plant has been shown to protect the gastric and intestinal mucosa, to counteract colitis and gastritis and to drive away anxiety. But how do you take moringa? It is possible to prepare a tea that, as we have seen in the scientific research we have discussed today, protects the gastric and intestinal mucosa. When preparing green tea or another herbal tea, simply add half a teaspoon of moringa per cup to the leaves or spices you intend to use and continue with the normal preparation. Alternatively, it is also possible to resort to supplements, they can be found based on both leaves and seeds of moringa. Avoid moringa during pregnancy and breastfeeding and always ask your doctor for advice before starting any treatment to rule out any interactions with drugs you are already using.
