A new study shows for the first time that moringa leaf extract may boost exercise performance.
Moringa has been used traditionally in Africa and Asia. The leaves are rich in flavonoids, including the powerful quercetin. It is a very safe herb to use.
This new study put moringa to the test for exercise in men between the ages of 18 and 40. Half of them took a placebo while the other half took moringa leaf extract for 30 days. They then measured upper and lower body strength, 100m sprint and treadmill endurance.
At the end of the study, the men on moringa had enhanced athletic performance in both push-ups and treadmill exhaustion compared to the placebo group. There was also improvement in antioxidant status.
This is the first study to show that moringa improves post-exercise energy metabolism and antioxidant function, suggesting that it may enhance physical performance and nominating it as a new sports nutrition supplement.
Phytomedicine. 2024 Aug:131:155751.