Moringa Treats Asthma and Herpes

How Does Moringa Treat Asthma

  Bronchial asthma is a syndrome, characterized by increased responsiveness of trachea and bronchi to various  stimulation and manifested by acute, recurrent, and chronic attacks of widespread narrowing of airways. Clinically, asthma is expressed by airway obstruction that involves inflammation of the pulmonary airways and bronchial hyper responsiveness that is usually reversible. The past decade has witnessed phenomenal increases in the incidences of asthma, asthma-related deaths, and hospitalization. Existing classes of Antiasthmatic agents offer a limited variety of action that can be combined in a complementary and additive manner. Individual oral agents act only on a part of the pathogenic process of bronchial asthma. Hence, they may not produce any cure and may not prevent all complications of bronchial asthma. Ayurveda has recommended number of drugs from indigenous plant sources for the treatment of bronchial asthma and other allergic disorders. Moringa oleifera Lam. Fam: Moringaceae   Moringa oleifera  is one such drug, used by many Ayurvedic practitioners for the treatment of asthma and chronic rheumatism. 

Moringa oleifera is a medium-sized tree, found wild in the sub-Himalayan tract. The plant is reported to elicit good clinical response in children suffering from upper respiratory tract infection and skin infection. Seeds reportedly have purgative, antipyretic  antispasmodic  anti-inflammatory,  and diuretic activity.  It has been reported that alkaloid from the plant closely resembles ephedrine in action and useful in the treatment of asthma. Alkaloid Moringine relaxes bronchioles.  However, no clinical studies have so far been carried out with respect to its efficacy in bronchial asthma. Thus, the objective of the present investigation was to carry out clinical evaluation of M. oleifera to assess its therapeutic potential in asthma.

The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy and safety of seed kernels of Moringa oleifera in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Twenty patients of either sex with mild-to-moderate asthma were given finely powdered dried seed kernels in dose of 3 g for 3 weeks. The clinical efficiency with respect to symptoms and respiratory functions were assessed using a spirometer prior to and at the end of the treatment. Haematological parameters were not changed markedly by treatment with Moringa Oleifera. However, the majority of patients showed a significant increase in haemoglobin values and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly reduced. Significant improvement was also observed in symptom score and severity of asthmatic attacks. Treatment with the drug for 3 weeks produced significant improvement in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and peak expiratory flow rate values by 32.97 ± 6.03%, 30.05 ± 8.12%, and 32.09 ± 11.75%, respectively, in asthmatic subjects. Improvement was also observed in % predicted values. None of the patients showed any adverse effects with Moringa oleifera . The results of the present study suggest the usefulness of Moringa oleifera seed kernel in patients of bronchial asthma

Seed kernels of Moringa Oleifera were purchased from the local market of Ahmedabad and were identified and authenticated by Department of Pharmacognosy, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, India. The seeds were powdered and sachets were prepared. An open label, non-comparative clinical study was carried out on 20 patients (17-70 years) of either sex, having mild-to-moderate bronchial asthma,  visiting Outpatient Department of Government Ayurvedic Hospital, Ahmedabad, India. The protocol for carrying out the clinical study was approved by the Director, Department of Ayurveda and Homeopathic Medicine, Government of Gujarat, India and also by the institutional ethics committee for the clinical study. Informed consent was obtained from all Patients enrolled on the study

Patients having symptoms of bronchial asthma such as dyspnoea, wheezing, tightness in chest, and cough were enrolled in the study. Patients having breathlessness due to cardiovascular disorders, having very severe bronchial asthma (peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR] <20%, forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] <20% of predicted value) or having pulmonary tuberculosis (confirmed by chest screening), cardiovascular disorders, and pregnant women were excluded from the study.

The patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were examined for baseline demographic data. Respiratory functions were recorded with the help of spirometer and blood samples were withdrawn for haematological examination before and subsequently at the end of 3 weeks treatment with Moringa Oleifera . Patient was asked to keep mouthpiece of spirometer in mouth and hold it firmly with the help of lips. Patient was asked to breathe normally a few times then to take in a deep inspiration, as much as he/she can. Then, he/she is immediately instructed to blow out as hard and as fast as possible and keep breathing out till he can do so no more. The Spiro gram and the values of lung volumes and lung flow rates obtained were recorded. The whole process was repeated three times and the best results were recorded. Parameters assessed were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory flow rate between 25 and 75% (FEF _25-75% ). Maximum ventilator volume (MVV) was determined by asking the patient to breathe as hard and fast as possible for 1 min.

The patients were given fine powder of dried seed kernels in a dose of 3 g bid for 3 weeks and were advised to take it with water. Patients were given medication supply for 1 week and were asked to report every week. At weekly visit, patients were asked for occurrence of any untoward effect (if any) and improvement in the symptoms observed. Symptom score was measured for all commonly observed symptoms of bronchial asthma before starting the treatment and at the end of 3 weeks of treatment. Score was graded as 3, 2, 1, and 0 for the presence of severe   moderate mild and the absence of any symptom respectively

The results from our earlier preliminary clinical study on Moringa  Oleifera suggest that there was appreciable decrease in severity of symptoms of asthma and also simultaneous improvement in lung function parameters. The results of the effect of Moringa Oleifera on four basic symptoms of bronchial asthma dyspnoea, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough revealed that score of all symptoms was reduced significantly. According to Unani medical theory, obstructive breathing may be due to a phlegmatic (thick sticky sputum) condition and it is produced mainly in those patients who have phlegmatic temperament. Moringa oleifera fruit is reported to cure kappa.  Our results support the effectiveness of Moringa  Oleifera in ameliorating the symptoms of bronchial asthma. The results of haematological parameters revealed that the majority of patients showed significant increase in their Hb values. These observations support earlier report that Moringa Oleifera increases Hb levels in rats.  

Apart from the improvement in symptoms, Moringa Oleifera was found to significantly improve FVC and FEV1. Forced vital capacity is clinically useful as an index of lung function. Forced expired volume in one second is a useful measure of how fast one can breathe out and full lungs can be emptied. It is the best measure of lung function for assessing airflow limitation or asthma severity.  Moringa oleifera also significantly improves PEFR, FEF _25-75%  and MVV. Peak expiratory flow rate is a simple index of pulmonary function used in both research and clinical practice. Response to Asthma treatment is usually accompanied by an increase in PEFR value and a decrease in its variability.  

Statistically significant increase in lung volumes (FVC and FEV1) and lung flow rates (PEFR, FEF _25-75% , and MVV) suggest the usefulness of Moringa oleifera in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

Thus, the results of our study suggest that there was appreciable decrease in severity of symptoms of asthma and also simultaneous improvement in respiratory functions. No change in any general parameters and absence of any untoward effect during the course of study suggest the safety of drug in the dose used. Further, the haematological profile showed enhancement in the Hb level. Considering the easy availability, convenience, and its efficacy on oral administration, the seeds of Moringa oleifera may be considered as a useful drug for bronchial asthma. However, the detailed clinical and experimental studies are required to investigate its mechanism of action and therapeutic utility of these herbs       





How Does Moringa Treats Herpes      

Moringa Extract: Added Control of Herpes Symptoms

The Herpes Virus causes two Distinct illnesses in humans. Known as Herpes Simplex virus 1 and Herpes  Simplex virus 2, these ailments are usually not life-threatening and are typically more of an inconvenience than a threat to sufferers. Both types of herpes are extremely contagious and can be readily passed by physical contact, making them a significant health problem in most populated areas.  

                                                                                                                                                              The primary symptoms of the disease in both forms are the characteristic blisters and subsequent scabs that erupt on the skin, either around the mouth and nose or in the genital areas. The location of these watery, painful blisters is generally used to determine which type of herpes the patient has. Herpes simplex virus 1 is associated with cold sores that form around the mouth, while herpes simplex virus 2 is generally known as genital herpes.   

 In rare cases, the virus responsible for one type of herpes  can be  present in the area that is usually associated with the other variety.

Because the two types of herpes simplex virus are so genetically similar, blood tests can only detect the presence of the virus in the bloodstream. Blood tests cannot detect the specific variety responsible for the symptoms. Generally, patients become aware of the infection due to the blisters and scabs caused by the herpes virus and seek medical treatment based on these symptoms

 Most pregnant women are tested for herpes at an early stage of the pregnancy. Active cases of herpes simplex 2 can be transmitted to babies during the delivery process unless significant measures are taken to prevent this. While herpes is typically not dangerous or life-threatening for adults, it can cause a wide range of medical problems when it is transmitted to babies. Some of the medical problems herpes inflicts on babies include encephalitis, delayed development and damage to the internal organs of the infant.

Since there is no cure for either form of herpes at present, most treatment plans focus on controlling the symptoms of the disease. Anti-viral drugs have proven effective in many cases in reducing the number of outbreaks and providing relief from the worst effects of the herpes virus in affected individuals. Some natural products have also been used with good results, including soothing aloe vera treatments and other topical creams. One of the most effective natural remedies for herpes simplex 1 symptoms, however  the versatile Moringa oleifera plant. In clinical studies published in Antiviral Research in November 2003, tests showed that a moderate dosage of Moringa extract produced significant effects in delaying the characteristic lesions associated with herpes. The studies also showed doses of Moringa extract prolonging the lives of mice infected with herpes simplex virus

  Another study published in the Indian Journal of Comparative Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases in 2005 showed similar results in equine test subjects, indicating improved results when the Moringa extract was dissolved in alcohol rather than other liquids. The overall antimicrobial effects Moringa has against the herpes simplex virus 1 appear to show great promise in combating the disease. By supplementing other treatment regimens with Moringa extracts, it is likely that herpes sufferers can enjoy longer remission times and less severe outbreaks, allowing them to manage the disease more effectively and gain more enjoyment in daily life