moringa

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, or ben oil tree, is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the family Moringaceae. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible leaves and pods.

All parts are edible. Leaves and young shoots are eaten as vegetables; immature seed pods, called drumsticks, are used in curries and soups. Seeds yield moringa oil (ben oil). Dried leaf powder is used as a supplement and flavoring. The plant is also employed as animal feed and in traditional crafts.

Nutritionally, moringa leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and several minerals, and they provide a high-quality plant protein. The seeds contain oil with oleic acid. The plant is valued for its versatility and is used in folk medicine in some cultures.

Moringa is drought-tolerant and grows in poor soils, but frost restricts survival. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and can grow rapidly, often reaching several meters in a year. Seeds can be pressed for oil or used to purify water due to coagulant properties.

Medicinal claims are common in traditional use, but clinical evidence for many health effects is limited. Large doses of seeds or root extracts can be unsafe, and moringa may interact with medicines. The plant is widely traded and cultivated for food, oil, and potential water-treatment applications.