Moringa oleifera, known as the “miracle tree,” is a plant celebrated for its rich nutritional content and traditional uses. It has gained popularity as a dietary supplement. A common question among users concerns its influence on blood coagulation and potential link to blood clot formation. This article clarifies the scientific evidence surrounding moringa’s effects on blood clotting.
Moringa’s Effects on Blood Coagulation
Scientific investigations into Moringa oleifera’s impact on blood coagulation have yielded varied results, suggesting both procoagulant (clot-promoting) and anticoagulant (blood-thinning) activities depending on the plant part and preparation. Blood coagulation involves a cascade of enzymatic reactions leading to a fibrin clot, which is necessary for wound healing. Aqueous extracts from moringa leaves and roots have demonstrated protease activity that influences this cascade. These extracts were shown to reduce the recalcification time in human citrated plasma, indicating promotion of clot formation in laboratory settings.
This procoagulant effect is attributed to the extracts’ ability to selectively break down the Aα and Bβ subunits of fibrinogen, a soluble blood protein, leading to insoluble fibrin, the structural meshwork of a blood clot. This specific action is known as fibrinogenolytic activity. For example, at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, the leaf extract decreased clotting time from 180 seconds to 119 seconds, while the root extract reduced it to 143 seconds. This activity aligns with traditional practices where Moringa oleifera extracts have been used to help stop bleeding and support wound healing. However, prolonged incubation with these same extracts has also been noted to degrade the formed fibrin clot, suggesting a fibrinolytic (clot-dissolving) effect over time.
In contrast, other studies have explored moringa’s potential to act as an anticoagulant. Methanolic extracts from younger Moringa oleifera leaves (5-10 days old) exhibited anticoagulant activity by prolonging the Prothrombin Time (PT) in controlled laboratory environments. The PT test measures how long it takes for blood plasma to clot, assessing the extrinsic and common coagulation pathways. Research on ethanolic extracts from Moringa oleifera seeds further indicated a dose-dependent increase in both Prothrombin Time (PT) and activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) in Wistar albino rats. The aPTT test evaluates the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation, and its prolongation suggests an inhibition of factors within these pathways.
This indicates that certain compounds within the seed extract might inhibit various coagulation factors, including thrombin, thereby delaying the overall clotting process. The diverse outcomes observed across different studies, varying plant components (leaves, roots, seeds), and distinct extraction methods underscore the complex nature of moringa’s influence on blood coagulation.
Important Considerations for Moringa Users
Given the varied scientific findings regarding moringa’s effects on blood coagulation, individuals currently using or considering moringa supplements should proceed with caution. There is a possibility of interactions with medications designed to alter blood clotting, such as anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Combining moringa with these medications, like warfarin or aspirin, could lead to unpredictable effects on bleeding risk, ranging from increased bruising to more serious hemorrhage.
A case report detailed a 63-year-old woman who developed a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lungs, after taking a Moringa oleifera extract supplement for five months. Her physicians, noting the absence of other common risk factors, considered the supplement a possible contributing factor and recommended she stop using it. This highlights the need for vigilance, as supplements can have unforeseen effects. Individuals with a history of blood clots, diagnosed bleeding disorders, or anyone scheduled for surgical procedures should avoid moringa unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider due to the potential for altered clotting.
For planned surgeries, it is generally recommended to discontinue any supplements that might affect blood clotting, including moringa, for at least two weeks beforehand. This helps prevent complications like excessive bleeding or unexpected clot formation during or after the procedure. While some studies suggest benefits of moringa for pregnant women, such as supporting hemoglobin levels, certain compounds found in the bark, roots, and flowers have been associated with potential uterine contractions. Therefore, pregnant individuals should consult their doctor before using any moringa product to weigh the potential benefits against any theoretical risks to the pregnancy.
New users should begin with a low dose of moringa and closely monitor for any unusual symptoms, such as unexpected bruising, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, or changes in menstrual flow. These could indicate an unforeseen interaction or an individual sensitivity to the plant’s compounds. Consulting a healthcare professional is strongly recommended before adding any new supplement to your regimen, especially if you have underlying medical conditions, are taking any prescription medications, or are considering its use for a specific health concern.