Indian Drumstick Leaf vs Malawian Moringa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Indian Drumstick Leaf

Moringa oleifera subsp. oleifera

Nutritive

Moringa stenopetala

Nutritive

Indian Drumstick Leaf

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Malawian Moringa

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Moringa leaf used across India in Ayurveda and Siddha for malnutrition, diabetes, and anti-inflammatory conditions.

Ethiopian and Malawian species of moringa used as a food and medicine for malnutrition and diabetes in Southern Africa.

Active Compounds

quercetin, isothiocyanates, glucomoringin, zeatin

quercetin, isothiocyanates, beta-carotene, protein

Traditional Uses

malnutrition supplement in Ayurvedic tradition, blood sugar management, anti-inflammatory remedy

malnutrition treatment in Malawian communities, blood sugar management, nutritional supplement

Modern Uses

nutritional supplement, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory

nutritive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

1-2 tsp leaf powder or 500mg extract daily

1-3 tsp leaf powder daily as nutrition

Contraindications

pregnancy - root bark contraindicated, thyroid medications

thyroid medication interactions

Side Effects

mild laxative at high doses

mild laxative effect

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E