Moringa oleifera leaf powder enhances glycemic control in sahrawi women with type 2 diabetes: Findings from a 3-month unblinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Complementary plant-based medicine is used in developing countries to address healthcare challenges and limited access to conventional medicines. Moringa oleifera has been studied for its anti-diabetic properties, but human studies are limited. This study evaluated the long-term effect of daily M. oleifera leaf powder consumption on glycemic control in Sahrawi women with type 2 diabetes. A 3-month unblind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 45 Sahrawi women treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs. Participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group (30 women) and a control group (15 women). The experimental group received 10 g of M. oleifera leaf powder daily, while the control group did not consume Moringa. Anthropometric and glycemic parameters (fasting glucose and glycated hemoglobin) were measured at baseline and after 3 months. A proximate and phenolic analysis of plant material was also performed. M. oleifera leaves were rich in protein, fiber, and quercetin- and kaempferol-glucosides. After 3 months, the experimental group showed a significant reduction in body fat (-1.5 %, 95 %CI: −2.5, −0.5, p < 0.001) and improved glycated hemoglobin levels (-0.59 %, 95 %CI: −0.93, −0.25, p < 0.001), while these parameters remained unchanged in the control group. In conclusion, daily M. oleifera consumption, alongside drug therapy, may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings.