Moringa oleifera is a plant renowned for its naturally high content of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Many people use Moringa as a dietary supplement as part of a varied diet. However, like other plant-based supplements, Moringa can interact with certain types of medication.
In this article, we take a closer look at which medications might be affected by Moringa, the potential risks involved, and what you should be aware of if you're combining Moringa with medication. This is particularly relevant for medicines that are metabolised in the liver or regulate blood sugar levels.
Moderate Interactions – Combinations Requiring Attention
| Medication | Purpose | Interaction | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simvastatin (Zocor®) | Cholesterol-lowering | Moringa may alter CYP3A4 enzyme activity, affecting drug breakdown | Monitor effectiveness and side effects |
| Atorvastatin (Lipitor®) | Cholesterol-lowering | ||
| Diazepam (Stesolid®, Valium®) | Sedative | ||
| Ketoconazole (Fungoral®) | Antifungal | ||
| Levothyroxine (Euthyrox®, Eltroxin®) | Thyroid hormone | Moringa may reduce absorption in the intestine | Take Moringa at least 4 hours apart from Levothyroxine |
| Digoxin (Digoxin®) | Heart medication | Moringa may affect P-gp transporter, altering drug absorption | Consult doctor and monitor drug levels |
| Ciclosporin (Sandimmun®) | Immunosuppressant | ||
| Fexofenadine (Telfast®) | Antihistamine |
Minor Interactions – Monitoring Recommended
| Medication | Purpose | Interaction | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metformin (Glucophage®) | Blood sugar control | May increase risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) | Monitor blood sugar regularly; consult doctor |
| Glibenclamide (Daonil®) | Blood sugar control | ||
| Insulin (Lantus®, NovoRapid®, Humalog®) | Blood sugar control | ||
| Clozapine (Leponex®) | Antipsychotic | May alter CYP1A2 enzyme activity affecting drug metabolism | Consider monitoring; discuss with your doctor |
| Olanzapine (Zyprexa®) | Antipsychotic | ||
| Theophylline (Retard Theophylline®, Bronkodyl®) | Asthma medication |
If you're taking prescription medication, it's advisable to consult with your doctor before starting Moringa as a supplement. With the right guidance, Moringa can safely be incorporated into your daily routine.