Moringa is also known as the miracle tree, Moringa oleifera, and drumstick tree. It is a tree that is highly regarded throughout the world for its nutrient-dense leaves and medicinal properties. Almost all parts of this miracle tree have been used as herbal medicine for over 300 years to treat various ailments.
Apart from that, most moringa benefits have been studied in test tubes and on animals and thus may not apply to humans. Nonetheless, specific health benefits associated with this medicinal plant are male-specific. This article discusses four possible moringa uses for men.
Moringa Contributes to Prostate Health
Moringa seeds and leaves are abundant in sulfur-containing compounds known as glucosinolates, which may possess anti-cancer properties. Test tube studies have revealed that the glucosinolates found in moringa seeds may inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells. Additionally, it is speculated that moringa may be used to prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). As men age, this condition becomes more prevalent, and it is typically characterized by prostate enlargement, making urination more difficult.
In one of the animal studies, moringa leaf extract was given to mice before daily testosterone administration for four weeks to induce benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Moringa leaf extract was found to reduce prostate weight significantly. Additionally, the moringa leaf extracts reduced prostate-specific antigen levels, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels of the prostate-specific antigen confirm prostate cancer. Finally, the study on mice demonstrated that the moringa leaf extract decreased the testosterone levels of the treated mice. Low testosterone levels can reduce sexual drive and erectile function, muscle mass loss, and depression in humans.
This testosterone-lowering effect of moringa leaf extract may also impair the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels. Finally, human studies must be conducted to determine whether the effect moringa possesses also benefits prostate health or aids in testosterone reduction in men.
Could Help With Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to obtain or maintain a firm enough erection for sexual activity. This condition frequently occurs due to impaired blood flow, which may be caused by high blood pressure, elevated fat levels in the blood, or certain conditions such as diabetes.
Moringa leaves contain polyphenols, a beneficial plant compound. Polyphenols contribute to increased blood flow, which results in increased nitric oxide production and decreases blood pressure.
Additionally, some studies in rats have shown that extracts from the leaves and seeds of this plant inhibit vital enzymes associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), such as those that increase blood pressure and decrease nitric oxide production.
Additionally, another study on healthy rats demonstrated that when healthy rats were given a moringa seed extract, it helped relax the smooth muscle in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow to the area. Additionally, moringa seed extract alleviated erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetic rats.
However, no human study has been conducted to date on the benefits of moringa leaves and seed extract for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). As a result, it is unknown whether the beneficial effects of morning exercise on erectile dysfunction (ED) in animals are also applicable to humans.
Potentially Beneficial for Fertility
Men are estimated to cause or contribute to approximately 40% of infertility problems, with decreased sperm production and sperm motility issues being the most common causes.
Moringa leaves and seeds are high in antioxidants, which may help prevent oxidative damage from interfering with sperm production or damaging sperm DNA.
One study conducted on rabbits discovered that moringa leaf powder significantly increased the volume of semen, sperm count, and motility.
Additionally, another study conducted on rats demonstrated that the antioxidant properties of moringa leaf extract significantly increased sperm count in cases of induced undescended testicles.
Additionally, research on rats and rabbits indicates that this moringa leaf extract may help prevent sperm loss caused by excessive heat, chemotherapy, or electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones.
While these findings appear to be encouraging, no conclusions can be drawn until human studies on moringa's efficacy in improving male fertility are conducted.
Possibly Aids in Blood Sugar Control
Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or your body does not use the insulin delivered efficiently. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels following a meal. Men are more likely than women to develop this condition (type 2 diabetes). This could be because men store more harmful fat (also called visceral fat) in the abdominal region than women. Unhealthy fat (or visceral fat) has been shown to decrease insulin's effectiveness, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Numerous studies on this benefit have been conducted in diabetic mice and rats. Extracts from the leaves and seeds of moringa have been shown to lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production or sugar uptake into cells.
In a human study, ten healthy adults were used as case studies. Consuming 4 grams of moringa leaf powder increased insulin secretion but had no significant effect on blood sugar levels in ten healthy adults.
Ten healthy adults and seventeen adults with type 2 diabetes were used as case studies in another study examining the benefits of moringa seeds and leaves. Twenty grams of moringa leaf powder was given with a meal to ten healthy adults and seventeen healthy adults. The researchers discovered that moringa supplements aided in lowering post-meal blood sugar levels in people with diabetes but not in those without the disease. One of the researchers' observations was that this dosage resulted in poor taste in case studies, impacting intake consistency.
While the research findings appear promising, additional long-term, high-quality studies involving a larger sample size are required before concluding on moringa's efficacy for type 2 diabetes management.
Conclusion
Moringa is a tree found in northern India. Moringa leaves and seeds have been shown in laboratory and animal studies to help protect against prostate cancer, alleviate erectile dysfunction (ED), and improve fertility and blood sugar control.
However, before all of these moringa benefits can be firmly accepted as practical benefits for men, additional human studies must be conducted. On the other hand, Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and can be consumed in any form desired — as a powder, pill, extract, or tea.