Impact of Moringa oleifera on anemia

Anemia is a widespread global health issue, affecting over two billion individuals, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Vulnerable populations such as children under five and pregnant women are disproportionately affected, with significant consequences for cognitive development, maternal health, and productivity. Moringa oleifera Lam., also known as the “miracle tree” or “tree of life,” has long been used in traditional medicine for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits, particularly in reducing anemia. This review evaluates clinical evidence supporting the use of Moringa oleifera as a natural therapeutic for anemia and discusses its potential advantages over conventional treatments such as iron supplements and fortified foods. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, and academic books up to April 2024. Keywords included “Moringa oleifera,” “anemia,” and “clinical trials.” From an initial pool of 80 studies, 65 were excluded due to duplication or lack of relevance. The remaining 15 full-text articles were reviewed, and 12 met the inclusion criteria. Moringa was administered in various forms, including leaf powder, extracts, capsules, and fortified foods. The selected studies included 1,084 participants from diverse regions, with intervention durations ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months. Moringa oleifera supplementation led to significant improvements in anemia-related biomarkers, such as hemoglobin levels and hematological indices including hematocrit and red blood cell count. Mild gastrointestinal side effects were reported in a few cases but resolved spontaneously. Nevertheless, additional high-quality studies are warranted to further evaluate the plant’s efficacy and safety.