Moringa

Native tree from the northwestern India that can grow adequately in subtropical and tropical areas.
Used in Asia, South America, Central America, Oceania and parts of Africa as a food. All parts, including stems, flowers and roots are edible. It is a very nutritious plant with a high content of proteins, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron), vitamin A and C. The seed oil is also a good food high in fatty acids content (Olson 2016, Leone 2016).



Several properties are attributed in traditional medicine, yet scientifically unproven.



Depending on its origin Moringa may contain heavy metals in such amount that it could be not suitable (Limmatvapirat 2015).



In the Philippines it is used as a galactogogue and up to six local case-control studies (some mothers of premature infants) have shown an increased in milk production at the 7th day after birth, increment of infants’ weight and increased prolactin plasma level. Infants did not show side effects (Raguindin 2014).

More studies with larger samples that would include different populations and more adequate methodology are needed to clarify the role of Moringa as a galactogogue.



Best galactogogue results are to be achieved by a breastfeeding on demand along with an adequate technique in a mother who is able conserve self-confidence (ABM 2011, Mannion 2012).

Precautions when taking plant preparations:
1. Ensure that they are from a reliable source: poisoning has occurred due to confusing one plant with another with toxic properties, as well as poisoning from heavy metals extracted from the ground and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi.
2. Do not take in large amounts; follow recommendations from professional experts in phytotherapy. "Natural" products are not always good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can result in poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if taken in excessive amounts or time periods.