Moringa: Drug Interactions

• Moringa oleifera is a tree that is sometimes called the Tree of Life or a Miracle Tree. It is a plant that is native to the sub-Himalayan areas of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, and seeds are used to make medicine.¹
• The leaves, fruit, and seeds of Moringa might be safe when eaten as food. However, it's important to avoid eating the root and its extracts. These parts of the plant may contain a toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death.¹
• Moringa has been used safely in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 3 weeks.¹

Interaction 

• evidences of actual case reports or on established findings are still lacking

Levothyroxine²

• Taking moringa along with levothyroxine might decrease the effectiveness of levothyroxine because it will decrease the absorption of levothyroxine in the body.

Medications changed by the liver (cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) substrates)²

• Moringa might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications.  Thus by taking moringa along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of that medications.
• Example of drugs that are broken down by the liver:
• Lovastatin
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Fexofenadine
• Triazolam and etc.

Medications for Diabetes (Antidiabetic)²

• Moringa might lower the blood sugar level. For diabetes patient who are taking the medications with this supplement, they need to monitor closely their blood sugar.
• Example of medications:
• Insulin
• Gliclazide
• Glimeperide
• Glyburide
• Rosiglitazone and etc.

Medications for Hypertension (Antihypertensive)²

• Moringa might lower blood pressure. For hypertension patient who are taking the antihypertensives medications with this supplement, they need to monitor closely their blood pressure.
• Example of medications :
• Captopril
• Enalapril
• Losartan
• Valsartan
• Diltiazem
• Amlodipine
• Hydrochlorothiazide and etc.

Anticoagulant medications³

• Moringa has anticoagulant properties. For patients who are taking the anticoagulant medications with this supplement, they have high risk of bleeding and they need to monitor closely the sign and symptom of bleeding.
• Example of drugs :
• Warfarin
• Heparin
• Clopidogrel and etc.

Reference

1. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1242-moringa.aspx?activeingredientid=1242
2. http://www.rxlist.com/drumstick_tree-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions
3. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/