Moringa Powder Acceptability in Healthy Adults

Overseen By Susana Matias, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley

Must not be taking: Any medication

Disqualifiers: UC Berkeley students, Pregnant, Moringa, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 7 days

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial examines how people feel about using Moringa powder in different doses. Known for its health benefits, Moringa will be tested for daily acceptance. Participants will be divided into three groups, each trying a low, medium, or high dose of the powder. The trial suits UC Berkeley staff who do not currently use Moringa and are not on special medications or diets. As an unphased trial, participants will help assess the general acceptance and potential benefits of Moringa powder.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking your current medications, except for over-the-counter pain medication and contraceptives, to participate in this trial.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research shows that Moringa powder is generally safe for people. Studies using up to 50 grams of whole leaf powder have found no harmful effects. One study showed that taking 8 grams daily for 40 days was also safe. However, some reports mention possible side effects, such as changes in liver and kidney function, diarrhea, and changes in blood. Moringa is often considered safe when used as medicine for short periods. Since everyone can react differently, monitoring health and consulting a healthcare provider when trying new supplements is important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Moringa Powder because it offers a natural, plant-based alternative to current dietary supplements and health boosters. Unlike many traditional supplements, which might focus on single nutrients, Moringa is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants all in one. This multi-nutrient profile is what sets Moringa apart, potentially offering a comprehensive health benefit without the need for multiple separate supplements. Plus, the powder form makes it easy to incorporate into daily routines, whether mixed into smoothies, sprinkled on food, or taken with water.

What evidence suggests that Moringa Powder could be effective?

Research has shown that Moringa powder is generally safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults in various amounts. People have added 1 to 3 teaspoons of Moringa powder to their daily diet without major problems. Even in larger amounts, it remains safe, though some individuals might experience mild stomach issues if consumed excessively. Known for its high nutritional value and potential health benefits, Moringa requires further research to confirm these effects in humans. Overall, Moringa powder is widely accepted and considered safe to consume. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Susana Matias, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Berkeley

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for UC Berkeley staff aged 18-65 who can communicate in English or Spanish. It's designed to see how they feel about taking different amounts of Moringa powder every day.

Inclusion Criteria

University of California (UC) Berkeley staff

I can communicate in English or Spanish.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals who follow a medically prescribed diet

UC Berkeley students or academic employees

Pregnant or lactating individuals

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume Moringa powder daily in one of three doses (1 tsp, 2 tsp, or 3 tsp) to assess safety, acceptability, and consumption

7 days

Daily self-reporting

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including self-reported side effects and changes in skin carotenoids

1-2 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Moringa Powder

Trial Overview

The study tests the acceptability of three doses of Moringa powder taken daily by healthy adults. Participants are randomly assigned to one of the dose groups: low, medium, or high.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Moringa Powder - Medium Dose Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group A

Group II: Moringa Powder - Low Dose Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group C

Group III: Moringa Powder - High Dose Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group B

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, Berkeley

Lead Sponsor

Trials

193

Recruited

716,000+

University of California, Davis

Collaborator

Trials

958

Recruited

4,816,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A study analyzing 110 reports of adverse reactions to herbal dietary supplements in Italy found that 23 serious reactions occurred, with 21 requiring hospitalization, highlighting significant safety concerns regarding these products.

Dermatological and cardiovascular issues were the most common reactions, and 9 out of 10 serious hepatic reactions were reported, indicating that the quality and supervision of these supplements are critical for consumer safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Suspected adverse reactions to performance enhancing dietary supplements: Spontaneous reports from the Italian phytovigilance system. Ippoliti, I., Menniti-Ippolito, F., Mazzanti, G., et al.[2021]

The study analyzed adverse event reports related to herbal supplements from two databases, FAERS and CVAR, revealing that herbal supplements accounted for 2.51% and 6.83% of total reports, respectively, indicating a significant presence of herbal-related safety concerns.

Common herbs associated with adverse events included Avena sativa (oats), Cannabis sativa (marijuana), and Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort), highlighting the need for further investigation into the safety profiles of these supplements.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identifying Herbal Adverse Events From Spontaneous Reporting Systems Using Taxonomic Name Resolution Approach. Sharma, V., Gelin, LFF., Sarkar, IN.[2020]

Women frequently turn to alternative treatments like herbs and dietary supplements for various health issues, including menstrual pain and menopause symptoms.

There is a lack of well-designed clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of these alternative treatments, making it challenging to provide reliable, evidence-based recommendations for their use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Complementary and alternative medications for women's health issues. Lloyd, KB., Hornsby, LB.[2010]

Citations

1.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335525000877

Acceptability of Moringa oleifera leaf powder among ...

Moringa powder (1–3 teaspoons) with food or drinks was acceptable to healthy adults. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur if high doses of moringa powder are ...

2.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40226484/

Acceptability of Moringa oleifera leaf powder among ...

Conclusions: Compliance in consuming moringa was high for all groups, suggesting that all three doses tested may be acceptable in future moringa ...

3.

webmd.com

webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-moringa-powder?ref=bebodywise.com

Health Benefits of Moringa Powder

Consuming moringa powder is proven to be safe, even at higher levels. Daily dosage should be limited to the equivalent of 70 grams of moringa leaves per day or ...

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9916933/

Moringa oleifera: An Updated Comprehensive Review of Its ...

This review aims to compile an analysis of worldwide research, pharmacological activities, phytochemical, toxicological, and ethnomedicinal updates of Moringa ...

5.

medicalnewstoday.com

medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319916

Moringa: 15 possible benefits, side effects, and risks

However, more clinical research is needed to confirm that moringa is safe and effective for many of these uses in humans.

6.

webmd.com

webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1242/moringa

Moringa - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Moringa leaf and seeds are possibly safe when used as medicine, short term. Products containing moringa leaf have been used for up to 6 months. Products ...

7.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6680322/

Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Moringa oleifera - PMC

No adverse effects were reported in a human study conducted with whole leaf powder at up to a single dose of 50 g or in a study using 8 g per day dose for 40 ...

8.

actasdermo.org

actasdermo.org/es-cutaneous-toxicity-due-moringa-oleifera-articulo-S1578219021002596

Cutaneous Toxicity Due to Moringa oleifera

The reported adverse effects of moringa include alterations in liver and kidney function, miscarriage, alterations in hematologic parameters, diarrhea, ...

9.

fda.gov

fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-moringa-leaf-powder-october-2025

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Moringa Leaf ...

FDA is working to determine the point of contamination and what additional products were made with the implicated lot of moringa leaf powder.

10.

brambleberry.com

brambleberry.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-brambleberry-master-catalog/default/dwbca1d178/specs/sds/additives/SDS_V000632_MORINGA_LEAF_POWDER.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqkCeVIEVrqDWSALEFXNiSLCa3pIBynrYiYmRUJdGf4W37E26Id

Safety Data Sheet - Moringa Leaf Powder

Hazardous reactions: No dangerous reactions known. 10.6 Hazardous decomposition products: CO₂, CO. Section 11: Toxicological Information. Acute ...