Drumstick(Murungai) - Leaf, Vegetable And Seeds Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses And Side Effects

 Drumstick (Moringa oleifera):

Fig- Drumstick Tree

Tamil Name - Murungai

Drumstick is popularly known as  moringa. It has different names in different regions of India. Drumstick’s scientific name is Moringa oleifera. It is native to South Asia and India. 

The edible parts of the drumstick are its leaves, stem, stalks and seed pods. They are used in various drumstick recipes such as curries, soup, pickles, salads and sambhar.

Moringa obtains its name from the Tamil word, murungai, denotes twisted pod. This humble vegetable is used extensively in Indian culinary dishes for more than a hundred years. Be it delectable sambhar or avail, or any meat curry, soups, pickles etc., drumstick renders its unique flavour to the dishes.

The rich culinary tradition of our country has helped us to relish and taste several types of vegetables and fruits thereby derive out the umpteen health benefits. 

One such amazing vegetable that is greatly valued and earns our interest is drumstick or moringa oleifera.

Young shoots have purplish hairy bark and drooping branches that are fragile, and leaves look like feathery foliage of tripinnate. In a seasonal climate with good rainfall, flowering can happen twice or all-round the year.

The fruit looks like a three-sided brown capsule with a dark brown globular seed with three whitish papery wings which gets diapered by wind and water. 

Drumstick is highly prized as every single part of the tree is valued and used as a superfood that beat chronic diseases or as a vital component in traditional medicine. 

The drumstick tree is imbedded with profuse nutrients and antioxidants that offers you with a plethora of wellness incentives. The aromatic flowers are surrounded by five unevenly, thinly veined yellowish-white petals. Generally, the tree begins to flower after six months of the plantation. 

Moringa is a sun-loving plant that can withstand the dry climate and can be grown using very minimal irrigation.

Drumstick is also known by several vernacular names such as shevaga in Marathi, shajan in Hindi, murungai in Tamil, muringnga in Malayalam and munagakaya in Telugu. Moringa goes by several common names such as drumstick tree (refers to the long, slender, seed-pods), horseradish tree (refers to the root which is similar to horseradish), and ben oil tree (refers to oil which obtained from the seed).

Drumstick is a fast-growing tree and widely cultivated for its tender seed pod, leaves used as vegetable heaped with vital nutrients and as a medicine in Siddha for its indispensable medicinal properties.

Moringa, a slender, deciduous tree grows to a height to 10-12 m and a trunk diameter of 45cm.

Nutritional Value Of Drumstick Per 100 grams

Energy                                64 kcal

Carbohydrates                    8.28 g

Dietary fibre                      2.0 g

Fat                                     1.40 g

Protein                              9.40 g

Vitamins:

Vitamin A                       378 μg

Thiamine (B1)               0.257 mg

Riboflavin (B2)             0.660 mg

Niacin (B3)                    2.220 mg

Pantothenic acid (B5)    0.125 mg

Vitamin B6                     1.2 mg

Folate (B9)                     40 μg

Vitamin C                       51.7 mg

Minerals:

Calcium                              185 mg

Iron                                     4.00 mg

Magnesium                         147 mg

Manganese                          0.36 mg

Phosphorus                          112 mg

Potassium                             337 mg

Sodium                                 9 mg

Zinc                                      0.6 mg

Health Benefits Of Drumstick Leaves(Murungai Leaves)

Drumstick leaves are little, tear-drop shaped with leaflets that are feathery, smooth, bright green, thick, and firm usually in tripinnate structure. 

Drumstick leaves have a slightly bitter taste having a horseradish-like burning sensation. While cooking, it releases a distinct grassy scent.

Fig- Drumstick Leaves With Flowers

🌿 Drumstick leaves are an incredible source of essential vitamins such as vitamin B complex, C, K and beta carotene. 

🌿 The leaves are imbued with a rich array of minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, manganese and magnesium and a good amount of protein and dietary fibre. 

🌿 Drumstick leaves are a powerhouse of antioxidants quercetin and chlorogenic acid. Moreover, moringa leaves supplement are well-known to enhance blood antioxidant levels.

🌿 Drumstick Leaves have a high content of iron that promotes red blood cells and prevents anemia

🌿 Drumstick Leaves are used to treat eye ailments.

🌿 It’s additionally helpful in treating hair loss and lower dandruff.

🌿 Apply the drumstick leaves to wounds or insect bites because they possess medicament and anti-inflammatory properties.

🌿 The poultice of drumstick leaves is beneficial to halt bleeding from scrapes and minor cuts.

🌿 Dried drumstick leaves or drumstick leaf tea effectively treats stomachic ulcers and diarrhoea. 

🌿 The mixture of carrot and drumstick leaves juice is employed as a cure for gonorrhea.

🌿 Drumstick Leaves also heals minor cuts, burns, and bruises.

🌿 Rub drumstick leaves on the temples to urge relief from headaches.

🌿 The drumstick leaf paste can be used for skin disease thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

🌿 Use the drumstick leaves for treating fevers, bronchitis, eye or ear infections, and painful secretion membrane inflammation.

🌿 Drumstick Leaves additionally acts as an antiseptic for the skin and also treats anxiety.

One cup of shredded Murungai(Drumstick) tree leaves contains:

🌿 11% of the suggested Dietary Allowance (RDA) of iron

🌿 9% of the RDA of vitamin A

🌿 12% of the RDA of water-soluble vitamin

🌿 Seven(7) times the number of water-soluble vitamins in an orange

🌿 Three(3) times the amount of iron in spinach

🌿 Fourfold(4) the amount of metallic element in one glass of milk

🌿 Three(3) times the metal in one banana

🌿 Fourfold(4) the amount of vitamin A in a carrot

Fig- Drumstick Vegetable

Drumstick (Murungai) Health Benefits 

Diabetes control

Drumsticks being naturally low in calories and heaped with essential minerals, vitamins and fibre help to significantly bring down blood sugar spikes. 

Several studies reveal that the plant compound isothiocyanates in moringa are effective in reducing weight, improving glucose tolerance and regulating blood sugar levels.

Improve vision

The richness of antioxidants in drumstick is beneficial in treating cataracts and dry eyes. 

The eye-friendly nutrients in drumstick avert the thickening of the capillary membrane and impede retinal dysfunction.

Pregnant And Lactating Women Health

Drumstick comes with a nutrient punch such as vitamins A, C, K, B and minerals -iron, calcium and magnesium and a good source of fibre and protein all of which are beneficial in promoting the overall health of pregnant women. 

Adding drumstick in the diet can help pregnant women to combat symptoms of morning sickness and make them feel energetic. 

Furthermore, the richness of folate in drumstick can avert the risk of spina bifida a neural tubal defect which may lead to serious birth defects in the new-born. 

Moringa leaves juice blended with ghee is given to women post-delivery which improves the secretion of breast milk.

Fungicidal And Bactericidal

The potent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of drumstick are efficient in battling infections caused by E. coli, salmonella and Rhizopus. 

The superior anti-bacterial profile of drumstick is beneficial in preventing infections of the throat, chest and skin. 

Drumstick contains quercetin the potent antioxidant which is efficient in treating tuberculosis. Moreover, it is also valuable in treating fungal skin ailment.

Bone Health

Drumstick being an incredible source of essential mineral’s calcium, iron and phosphorus, strengthens the bones in growing children. 

Regular addition of drumstick in the diet also reinstate bone density in older people and easing the symptoms of osteoporosis. 

Potent anti-inflammatory properties of drumstick are beneficial in treating conditions like arthritis and also heal minor bone fractures.

Gut Health

Drumstick blessed with a richness of essential B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in stimulating the secretion of digestive juices and helps in the smooth functioning of the digestive system. 

It also aids the digestion process by helping in the break down of carbs, protein and fat into simpler forms. Moreover, the umpteen amount of fibre in drumsticks regularize the bowel movement and maintains the gut health.

Kidney Health

Regular addition of drumstick in the diet may help in reducing the development of stones in the kidney and bladder. The presence of a good amount of antioxidants might help in clearing the toxins from the kidneys.

Immune Booster

 High on vitamin C and antioxidants, drumstick helps to combat against common cold, flu and stave off several common infections. 

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of drumstick assists in lessening the symptoms of asthma, cough, wheezing and other respiratory problems. 

For quick relief from common cough and other illnesses relish drumstick soup to bolster the immune system and keep diseases at bay.

Regulate Blood Pressure

The goodness of bioactive compounds niaziminin and isothiocyanate in drumstick assists to circumvent the thickening of the arteries and lessens the chance of developing high blood pressure. 

The rich antioxidant profile in drumstick improves the circulation of blood and nutrients to the heart thus regulating hypertension.

Best Anti-Cancer Agent

Regular addition of drumstick to your meal plan is a great way to boosts up the antioxidant profile. 

The abundance of vitamins A, C, beta-carotene and niazimicin help in suppressing the formation of cancer cells. In addition, the rich antioxidant profile scavenges the free radicals and averts oxidative damage to cells.

Liver Health

The liver is the vital organ that is responsible for flushing out the toxins from the system and supports the gall bladder in bile secretion. 

The hepatoprotective function of the drumstick shield the liver from harmful toxins. 

Drumstick stimulates the production of glutathione – the detox antioxidants known to counter free radicals that increase the stress to the liver. 

Furthermore, the drumstick is valuable in shielding the liver against the damage caused by ant-tubercular drugs and speeds up the healing.

Anti-Inflammatory

Edema is a condition where fluid builds up in specific tissues in the body and it is painful. 

The natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of drumstick can lessen the swelling and also modulate the immune response, thus averting further aggravation of the condition

Skin Health

The potent antibacterial properties of moringa are effective in preventing acne break out. 

The goodness of collagen protein in drumstick also acts on large pores of the skin and tightens the skin. Taking moringa leaf or pod powder is helpful in purifying the blood which ultimately makes the skin clearer and healthier.

Moringa oil and leaf powder work as an amazing natural remedy to lessen wrinkles, blemishes and firm up the skin tone. 

Apply moringa leaf paste on the skin and allow it to stay for 15 minutes and rinse, this enhances the skin complexion and makes you look younger.

Moringa is now a popular ingredient in most of the beauty products which promote skin glow and health owing to its incredible nutritional profile. 

Drumstick extracts have hydrating and cleansing properties that counteract the skin against the harmful effects of pollutant

Seeds Nutritional Value

Seeds are mostly used to extract oil and the mature pods are roasted and enjoyed as a snack like peas or nuts which comes with a high amount of vitamin C, B and minerals.

A single serving of drumstick seeds (100 grams),  contain 37 calories, 

•    carbohydrates - 8.5 grams 
•    protein - 2 grams 
•    fiber - 3 grams 
•    fat - 1 gram 

  In one cup, it also contains,

•   calcium - 30 milligrams 
•   potassium - 460 milligrams 
•   vitamin C - 141 milligrams
•   vitamin A - 74 international units 

 Each represent 3 percent of the daily calcium requirement, 

13 percent daily intake for potassium and 

235 percent daily intake for vitamin C.

Fig- Drumstick Seeds

Drumstick Seeds(Murungai Seeds) Health Benefits

🌱 Fight malnutrition

🌱 Maintain liver function

🌱 Improve skin health

🌱 Treat edema

🌱 Rich source of antioxidant

🌱 Natural Cancer Cell Killer

🌱 Relieve joint pain and promote bone health

🌱 Good source of iron

🌱 Maintain normal blood sugar level

🌱 Promote sleep

🌱 Plentiful in fiber

Side Effects While Overtaking

Drumstick leaves, seeds, pods, flowers are perfectly safe for consumption, however, large quantities of pod and seeds may exhibit certain side effects. 

🔆 Moringa root and root extracts are unsafe when taken by mouth as the root contains spirochin, a toxic substance.

🔆 Eating drumsticks in huge amounts may lower blood pressure and slow heart rate due to an abundance of alkaloids. 

🔆 Consuming the bark of drumstick may induce uterine contractions. It is also not advisable to take drumstick with thyroid medication. 

🔆 Drumstick in large amounts might also interfere with blood sugar level, hence watch for any symptoms of hypoglycemia.  Moreover, it is not recommended to take drumstick supplements with hypertensive drugs as it may lower blood pressure.

🔆 Consuming excess fiber(Seeds) and at the same time not drinking enough water may actually lead to constipation.

🔆 If you receive anti-diabetic medication as well as consume drumstick seeds more than you should be, your glucose level may fall to a low level to the point where your brain cannot receive any more glucose and this condition is life-threatening. 

Perhaps, in this case, it is better to consult with your doctor first before getting into the habit of eating drumstick seeds.

🔆 Drumstick seeds is not something that we usually consume. It is important to know the risk of experiencing allergy to something you have never consumed before. 

🔆 Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, difficulty in breathing and chest tightening are signs of allergic reaction, and experiencing one of them requires immediate medical care.

Conclusion

This versatile vegetable is imbued with immense amounts of essentials vitamins A, C, K, B complex and minerals iron, calcium, magnesium to name a few. Regular addition of drumstick in the diet is well-known to control diabetes and high blood pressure fortifies the bone, improves skin health, best way to improve Hemoglobulin level in blood, Improves Immune power Etc...Right from the root, bark, leaves, pod, flowers, fruits and seeds are used extensively in traditional medicine.