Moringa Root
Constituents
Glucosinolates: 4- (alpha-L-rhamnosyloxy)ibenzyl glucosinolate (ca. 1%), yielding 4-(alpha-Lrhamnosyloxy)ienzyl isothiocynate following enzymatic segregation with myrosinase, glucotropaeolin (ca. 0.05%), yielding benzyl isothiocyanate.
Effects
The root is antimicrobial in effect, due to the mustard oils it contains. Applied as a cataplasm, it triggers localhyperemias dueto theirritatingeffect of the isothiocyanates.Dried extracts are abortive and contraceptive in their effect.
Uses
The root has been used internally in folk medicine for gastrointestinal complaints, epilepsy, paralysis, cardiac and blood pressure disturbances, fever (particularly intermittent), scurvy, dizziness, and colds. External indications include gingivitis, worm diseases, snake bites, abscesses, inflammation, rheumatism, and poorly healing wounds. Root paste has been used to treat worms, rheumatism, and headaches.
Ayurveda: Indications include smallpox and rheumatism. Efficacy for rheumatism seems plausible because of the stimulating effect of the isothiocyanates. Efficacy for other indications has not yet been proved.
Swelling
Roots of Moringa might be beneficial in the management of swelling. This is because of its anti-inflammatory property
Kidney Stones
Moringa root-wood might be beneficial in the management of kidney stones. It reduces the increased levels of oxalate in the urine. This in turn regulates the oxalate synthesis in the body. It also lowers the deposition of calcium and oxalate in the kidneys. Thus, prevents kidney stone formation
Preparations of the whole and powdered root are administered internally and externally.Ingestion of larger quantities can lead to nausea, dizziness and vomiting.