Moringa: Cure-All Tree That Became 'Mother's Best Friend'
Gertrude Kamuze
Monday, June 23, 2003

MULUNGAY OR KAMALUNGAY ANG TAWAG NATIN SA MORINGA O. (scientific name). others names are Horseradish tree in English; drumstick in India ( it is even in Baba´s book on Farming).

For centuries, indigenous people in northern India and many parts of Africa have known the benefits of the moringa tree, said to be the latest panacea for a multitude of ailments from creaky joints to exhaustion.
But recently, in Uganda, the tree has become part of a solution to poverty, and politicians and chemists are cashing in on its perceived "efficacy."
Traditionally, various parts of the tree have been used to treat different illnesses. Juice extracted from the leaves is believed to stabilise blood pressure; the flowers cure inflammation, the pods are used against joint pains; the roots are an effective treatment for rheumatism while the bark can be chewed to relieve indigestion. Besides that, the tree is used as a windbreak, controls soil erosion, or is planted on the farm to provide shade to crops that need less direct sunlight. Its uses are as many as the names by which it is known: Moringa oleifera, Clarifier tree, Horseradish tree, and Drumstick tree. In East Africa it is appropriately known as "Mother's best friend."

Most people also seem to agree on the nutritional benefits of moringa. Because the tree produces leaves during the wet and dry seasons, it is a reliable source of green vegetables when little other food is available. "Since we know the importance of this tree, we need to sensitise our people about its importance so that they can utilise it well," said Sebalu Sitenda, Member of Parliament Kyadondo East.
In the past, the Asian community grew the tree around their homes. The nomadic Karimojong of northeastern Uganda also used the plant to treat their cattle. President Yoweri Museveni recently said that his government would explore the export potential of the tree. But already, a number of herbalists and pharmacists in Kampala are now selling the products of the "miracle tree."

It is broken down into various forms, suitable for particular requirements. It is processed into syrup, powder and capsules. In Kampala, it is sold for as much as Ush1,000 (US 50 cents) for a teaspoonful. The moringa is a fast growing, beautifully shaped small tree that does well even in arid, sandy conditions. Its long drumstick shaped pods characterise the species. Within the first year of growth, moringa can grow to four metres and bear fruit.

Researches say that the benefits of moringa oleifera are too many to list. Some of the attributes are multipurpose, leading to the belief that it is most important and useful in extreme situations like drought. Its leaves provide many vitamins and minerals and can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. The foliage has been compared to spinach in its nutritional value. According to Optima of Africa Ltd, a group that has been working with the tree in Tanzania, 25 grammes of moringa leaf powder will give a child 42 per cent of its protein needs, 125 per cent of calcium, 61 per cent of magnesium, 41 per cent of potassium, 71 per cent of iron, 272 per cent of vitamin A and 22 per cent of vitamin C.

In addition, the leaves and branches of the tree can be used as fodder, while its high nutrient content makes it a better mulch in the garden. In addition to the leaves, the pods, or drumsticks are a commercial product with various uses. In India, they are canned and exported all over the world. Many ethnic grocery stores stock various parts of the tree. According to researchers on food security, the moringa is also effective in water treatment, for removing suspended solids.

At the Thyolo Water Treatment Works in Malawi, two researchers – Dr Geoff Folkard and Dr John Sutherland from the University of Leicester, England – have worked on substituting moringa seeds for alum to remove solids from drinking water.
Similarly, Optima of Africa is working with local farmers in Tanzania on growing moringa as a cash crop. A source in Optima said that 20,000 farmers grow moringa under a contract with Optima, which guarantees the market and price.
 

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