Malunggay

Family Moringacease

Scientific name:  Moringa oleifera lam.

Local names:     arsinggai (Pang)            maloñgai (Tag)

                              Baluñgai (Bis)                    maluñgai (Tag)

                              Dool (Pamp, Bis)               maroñgoi (Sbl)

                              Kalamuñgai (P. Bis)         maruñgai (Iil, Ibn)

                              Kamaloñgan (P. Bis)       horse-radish tree (Engl)

                              Kaluñgai (Bik, Bis, Tag)   kamaluñgai (Pamp, Tag)

                              Maluñgit (Pamp, Bis)      komkompilan (Iik)

Traditional uses:

       A.  Roots

1.      pounded and made into soft, heated preparation, spread on cloth and applied to soothe swellings.

2.      poultice applied to snake bites and skin irritations.

3.      root bark pounded and applied to relieve spasms.

4.      decoction used as wash for skin ulcers and sores.

5.      decoction or infusion used as mouth wash.

6.      juice mixed with milk and taken in for hiccup, asthma, lumbago, rheumatism, gout and stones.

7.      decoction taken in to increase the amount of urine.

8.      strong decoction causes abortion.

       B.  Leaves

1.      made into soft, preparation, spread on cloth and applied to reduce swellings.

2.      eaten freely to increase the amount of milk.

3.      eaten to promote bowel movement.

4.      poultice applied to stop bleeding.

Research Findings:

             The leaves contain 2 alkaloids the mixture of which has the same action as epinephrine.

Food Values:

             The leaves are very rich in calcium iron.  They are also a good source of potassium.

            The young fruit is high in carbohydrates and fair in calcium and iron.  It is also high in phosphorus.

 Recommended Medicinal Uses:

            For constipation:  Eat 1 or 2 cups of cooked leaves at suppertime.

            For rheumatism:  Roasts seeds, powder and apply on affected joints.

            For scabies:  Crush fresh leaves and apply juice on affected parts 2 to 3 times a day.

            For bleeding:  Wash leaves and crush.  Apply as poultice on wounds.

Botanical and Agriculture:

             Habit:  Tree

            Habitat:  Found in settled areas, usually planted a fence

            Propagation:  Seed or stem cutting