The line between the traditional and the contemporary worlds are becoming more and more pronounced each day. Traditional therapeutics and remedies continuously lose its prevalence and merit in the modern world owing to advancements in the scientific and medical field. What once was considered essential first aid or home remedy is now replaced by synthetically derived chemicals. However, one traditionally used plant has withstood the test of time and remains an important part of today’s world with uses ranging from nutritional to medicinal: Malunggay.
Moringa oleifera: Malunggay
Moringa oleifa or more commonly known as Malunggay or horseradish tree is a widely available plant throughout the tropics, ranging from South East Asia all the way to selected parts in Africa. Malunggay has long various traditional uses ranging anywhere from culinary to medicinal. Its prevalence in traditional lore can be seen in soups where Malunggay is used as a supplemental vegetable for taste and added nutrition, all the way to first aid treatment of wounds where ground up Malunggay leaves are used as antiseptic agents to rid the wound of bacterial infection. Unlike most other traditional remedies, however, there is actual scientific fact behind the multi-faceted use of Malunggay.
The Science
Multiple solvents extracted from Malunggay leaves have included chemicals shown to possess myriads of beneficial characteristics. Antioxidants, antibiotics, antifungals, and carotenoids are only some of the properties exhibited by these solvents. Antioxidants help reduce cancer risks by limiting free radicals in the body which promote oxidative stress and can lead to DNA damage. Using topical ointments such as oils and lotions containing Malunggay extract can help combat the DNA damage accrued from prolonged exposure to UV emitted by the sun.
Chemical analysis of Malunggay extract has indicated the presence of antibiotics and antifungals which effectively inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. This inhibition is important in combating the spread or development of multiple topically localized infections such as dermatitis, folliculitis, and ringworms among many more. This means using facial creams or exfoliating products on the face containing Malunggay extract could reduce the outbreak of acne, dandruff, and other atypical skin conditions caused by bacteria or fungi. On top of that, Malunggay leaves also contain carotenoids which, when digested or otherwise processed, becomes vitamin A – a vitamin scientifically proven to prevent and remove existing acne.
Malunggay Extract in Cosmetics
Products such as Moringa-O2’s Hair, Scalp, and Skin Therapy Oil, Herbal Toner, and Moisturizing Lotion all contain Malunggay extracts which have all the aforementioned health benefits conferred by Malunggay leaves. Using all natural ingredients and Malunggay extract, sunflower oil, and olive oil, Moringa-O2 products contain the necessary blend or natural ingredients scientifically proven to impart a plethora of health and cosmetic benefits while being gentle on the skin. Malunggay extract in these skin and hair-care products can result in a cleaner, healthier hair and skin with all the body’s natural oils intact to leave hair luscious and full-bodied, and the skin moisturized and vibrant. Consequently, products which use Malunggay extract such as Moringa-O2 are now gaining popularity among younger generations no longer sensitive to traditional lore, while maintaining the interest of older generations already familiar with the multi-faceted use of Malunggay leaves.
