Moringa Leaves and Hair Growth
Moringa leaves are known to promote hair growth. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish hair follicles, stimulating growth and strengthening hair growth. Regular consumption or application of moringa leaves can result in healthier, thicker hair.
What Are Moringa Leaves?
Moringa leaves are leaves from the Moringa oleifer tree. This tree is drought-resistant and is typically cultivated across the lowland dry tropics worldwide [1]. Some people call it the “miracle tree” as it has medicinal and nutritional benefits [2].
The leaves of the Moringa tree provide a wide range of benefits. They are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, amino acids, and proteins, as well as minerals and metals, including potassium, iron, and zinc [3]. They also contain a high content of dietary fibre and are abundant in innumerable bioactive compounds [4].
Moringa leaves have antioxidant potential, as they are a source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds[5].
They are also known to be high in protein, and interestingly, some moringa species have higher protein content than others [1].
In addition to this, moringa leaves are believed to have health benefits. In particular, they have been used to treat chronic diseases like hypertension, heart disease, inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and cancer [2].
The leaves are part of various nutritional supplements and medicines and are often added as an ingredient in developing functional foods [3, 4].
What Are The Benefits Of Moringa Leaves?
Moringa leaves are believed to have various beneficial functions. They are the powerhouse of nutrients and bioactive compounds. The leaves are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals and various bioactive compounds [4, 6, 7].
One of the key benefits of the leaves is their anti-diabetic properties. Some studies have shown that they are beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels and thus helping individuals with diabetes.
Moringa leaves are also believed to exhibit anti-cancer properties. They contain compounds that have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. However, the exact mechanism and whether it has an effect on cancer prevention or treatment still need to be determined [4, 8].
In addition, moringa leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help combat inflammation and bacterial infections [4, 8]. For instance, in kidneys, they help suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and other harmful substances, which protect the kidneys from damage [7]. Further, moringa leaves help protect against oxidative stress[9, 10].
Moringa leaves are also beneficial for heart health. They contain compounds that act as cardiac and circulatory stimulants, helping to promote heart health and prevent cardiovascular diseases [11].
Moreover, moringa leaves are rich in dietary fibre, making them beneficial for digestive health. They can help to promote regular bowel movements, prevent constipation, and support overall digestive health [12].
In addition to these health benefits, moringa leaves are also used in the cosmetic industry. They have been found to reduce skin irritation and improve the safety of cosmetic products [5].
In conclusion, moringa leaves offer many health benefits, making them valuable to a healthy diet. However, more research is needed to fully understand their medicinal effects and potential applications in developing drugs and functional foods [4].
Are Moringa Leaves Good For Hair Growth?
We already discussed the diverse benefits of moringa leaves. However, There have been questions about whether they are good for hair growth.
Moringa oil, derived from moringa leaves, is known for its moisturizing properties on hair and is often used as a hair treatment [13].
Although there is no direct evidence suggesting that moringa oil is good for hair growth, let alone that it promotes it, the oil can benefit hair health. That is likely because the oil is rich in proteins, which can benefit hair health [13]. It can be used for moisturizing and cleansing the skin and as a moisturizing hair treatment [13]. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of moringa leaves on hair growth.