15 Amazing Benefits of Drumstick

Reviewed by experts

drumstick benefits

Drumstick vegetable is something we all are familiar with. You have probably spotted them floating in a bowl of your favorite sambhar several times. It is scientifically called Moringa oleifera Lam, and the tree is widely grown in India. The drumstick tree is also cultivated in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. This fast-growing, evergreen tree belongs to the moringaceae family and is native to India’s sub-Himalayan regions. [1]

Drumstick is called Horseradish in English, Sainjna in Hindi, Subhanjana in Sanskrit, and Akshiva/ Haritashaaka in Ayurveda. The Drumstick plant is recognized as a nutritional herb with major pharmacological actions in traditional medicine. [1]

Every part of the drumstick plant is considered beneficial for your health. Apart from the drumstick vegetable, the other major parts of the plant, such as the roots, bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and immature pods too, contain a huge amount of vital Phyto-constituents such as alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, reducing sugars, and steroidal aglycones. [1]

In this article, we’ll talk about the various drumstick benefits. Read on:

15 Drumstick benefits for Your Overall health

1. Eliminates metallic toxicity

Drumstick extracts can combat the toxicity of hazardous metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. So, if someone suffers from metallic toxicity, drumstick extracts can be a remedy. [6]

2. Lowers blood sugar levels

lowers blood sugar levels - drumstick benefits

One of the drumstick leaves benefits is that it can keep blood glucose levels low and reduce serum glucose levels. Therefore, people with diabetes may use drumstick leaves as a remedy. [7]

3. Boosts sexual health

Drumstick benefits for males and drumstick benefits for females include the power of the herb to enhance the sexual health of both males and females. High amounts of Zinc and Amino acids can nourish the reproductive organs effectively.

4. Has anti-microbial impact

Leaves, flowers, and seed extracts of Drumstick can act as a natural antibiotic against a wide range of micro-organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, etc. [2]

5. Is a gut cleanser

Drumstick or Moringa extracts are high in fiber. By taking these extracts, you can give your gut the best mop ever. Effective gut cleansing through the fiber-loaded drumstick extracts can eliminate the accumulated grunge in your intestine. [1]

6. Purifies blood

One of the drumstick benefits is that it can purify your blood by improving its circulation and increasing blood oxygen levels.

7. Shows Hepato-protective action

Extracts of drumstick leaves and seeds can protect your liver from damage and other conditions like hepatic toxicity. [2]

8. Promotes wound healing

Drumstick leaves are great wound-healing agents. Ethyl acetate in the leaves can speed up wound closure and reduce the scar area. [2]

9. Protects against ulcers

Drumstick has an anti-ulcer impact. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can treat colitis, and the drumstick plant leaves can protect one against peptic ulcers or aspirin-triggered gastric ulcers. [2]

10. Manages kidney dysfunction

One of the Drumstick benefits is that it reduces the risk of kidney diseases triggered inflammation and oxidative stress. The herb extracts also work as a diuretic, preventing kidney disease-related water retention. It also reduces the deposition of stone-forming oxalate salts.

11. Acts as an analgesic

Drumstick can act as a natural painkiller. Its anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing activities can relieve aches, pain, and swelling. So, use a drumstick as an analgesic whenever you suffer pain. [3]

12. Protects the cardiovascular health

Moringa or drumstick can lower cholesterol and protect your heart. The extracts of this herb can give you a healthy cardiovascular system and reduce the risk of heart attacks and atherosclerosis. [4]

13. Fights cancer

Moringa or drumsticks can have an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells and prevent the cells from spreading. By inducing reactive oxygen species in the cancer cells, Drumstick extracts can defend one against cancer. [2]

14. Treats asthmatic tendencies

treats asthmatic tendencies - drumstick leaves benefits

Drumstick extracts, especially drumstick seed kernels, can effectively treat bronchial asthma and its associated symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Those with asthma can take drumstick extracts to get relief, and experience restored respiratory functions. [2]

15. Is an immunity booster

The nutritional profile of the drumstick is rich and extensive. A range of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and powerful antioxidants in drumstick extracts can boost your immunity and prevent falling sick frequently.

Drumstick Side-effects

Excessive consumption of drumstick can cause hypersensitivity reactions in some. Symptoms include low blood pressure, swelling of body parts, and skin irritation. [5] Also, pregnant women should avoid taking drumsticks as it may lead to miscarriage.

FAQs about Drumsticks

1. How to take a drumstick according to Ayurveda?

Ayurveda recommends taking drumstick or moringa powder. The powder may be added to warm milk or water and sweetened with honey. Adding ghee to the moringa powder mix is also advised.

2. Which Vitamin is present in drumsticks in the highest amount?

Beta-carotene and Vitamin C are present in drumsticks in the highest amount.

3. How to make moringa leaf tea?

To reap the many drumstick leaves benefits, you can take moringa, or drumstick leaves tea regularly. To prepare the tea, you need to steep fresh moringa leaves in hot water. Drumstick leaves powder, too, can be added to hot water to make moringa tea.

Conclusion

Drumstick benefits for health are many. Whether you consume it as a powdered herb or as a cooked vegetable, you’ll definitely experience the goodness of drumsticks within just a few days. So those who avoid eating drumsticks must add them to their daily diet and enjoy the several benefits!

Disclaimer: This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References:

  1. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Lam
  2. Drumstick (Moringa oleifera): A Miracle Tree for its Nutritional and Pharmaceutic Properties
  3. Anti-pyretic, anti-infl ammatory, and analgesic effects of leaf extract of drumstick tree
  4. The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant properties, hypolipidaemic and antiatherosclerotic activities of water extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves
  5. Anaphylaxis to Moringa oleifera in North Africa: A case report and review of the literature
  6. Drumstick activated charcoal tablets: Potential biosorbent material and its application to remove heavy metals via MATLAB assisted paper based sensor
  7. Anti diabetic property of drumstick (Moringa oleifera) leaf tablets