52 Participants Needed

Moringa Powder Acceptability in Healthy Adults

SL
SM
Overseen BySusana Matias, PhD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing Moringa leaf powder added to food or drinks in people without a specific disease. The goal is to find a safe and acceptable dose by testing different amounts. Moringa may help with blood sugar and cholesterol due to its nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. Moringa oleifera leaves have been traditionally used in India as a hypocholesterolemic agent and have shown significant cholesterol-lowering effects in various studies.

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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Moringa Powder in healthy adults?

Research suggests that Moringa oleifera leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help in preventing chronic diseases. These compounds, such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, have shown potential benefits in conditions like diabetes and hypertension.12345

Is Moringa Powder safe for human consumption?

The available research does not specifically mention Moringa Powder, but it highlights that herbal supplements can sometimes cause adverse reactions, such as skin issues or heart problems, especially when used without expert guidance. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplement.678910

How does Moringa Powder differ from other treatments for health conditions?

Moringa Powder is unique because it is a natural supplement derived from the Moringa tree, known for its rich nutritional profile, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unlike many conventional treatments, it is used as a dietary supplement and is not associated with the adverse effects seen in some other health food ingredients, making it a potentially safer option for general health improvement.611121314

Research Team

SM

Susana Matias, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of California, Berkeley

Eligibility Criteria

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.
I am between 18 and 65 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

UC Berkeley students or academic employees
Pregnant or lactating individuals
Individuals who already consume Moringa regularly
See 3 more

Timeline

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

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Moringa Powder
Trial OverviewThe 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.
Participant Groups
3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Moringa Powder - Medium DoseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group A
Group II: Moringa Powder - Low DoseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group C
Group III: Moringa Powder - High DoseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group B

Find a Clinic Near You

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+

Findings from Research

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

References

A Strategy to Deliver Precise Oral Doses of the Glucosinolates or Isothiocyanates from Moringa oleifera Leaves for Use in Clinical Studies. [2020]
Toxicological evaluations of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves in liver and kidney of male Wistar rats. [2013]
Moringa oleifera Lam. Commercial Beverages: A Multifaceted Investigation of Consumer Perceptions, Sensory Analysis, and Bioactive Properties. [2023]
Quality and labeling information of Moringa oleifera products marketed for HIV-infected people in Zimbabwe. [2020]
A 14-day repeated-dose oral toxicological evaluation of an isothiocyanate-enriched hydro-alcoholic extract from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds in rats. [2020]
[Recognition and Prevalence of "Designated Ingredient, etc." in Health Foods]. [2022]
Consumption of plant food supplements in the Netherlands. [2018]
Suspected adverse reactions to performance enhancing dietary supplements: Spontaneous reports from the Italian phytovigilance system. [2021]
Identifying Herbal Adverse Events From Spontaneous Reporting Systems Using Taxonomic Name Resolution Approach. [2020]
Development of a consensus approach for botanical safety evaluation - A roundtable report. [2019]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Age and gender effect on the use of herbal medicine products and food supplements among the elderly. [2018]
Weight Loss Supplements. [2023]
13.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Complementary and alternative medications for women's health issues. [2010]
14.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Resveratrol and health from a consumer perspective: perception, attitude, and adoption of a new functional ingredient. [2018]