Moringa oleifera leaf extracts improve exercise performance in young male adults: A pilot study

Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in bioactive substances. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extract supplements on energy metabolism and antioxidant function in young male adults. Forty-four young male adults (26.3±3.5 years) were randomly assigned to two groups: a supplement group (n=23) receiving aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves and a placebo group (n=21). The supplementation period lasted for 30 days. Baseline measurements were taken at the beginning of the study, and further measurements were taken at the end of the supplementation period. Changes in upper- and lower-body strength, treadmill endurance, and certain blood biochemical parameters were evaluated. After 30 days of supplementation, participants in the supplement group exhibited enhanced performance in push-ups and treadmill exhaustion tests compared to the placebo group. Levels of glucose, urea, malondialdehyde, and glutathione peroxidase activity in serum were also improved in the supplement group. The findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaf aqueous extracts have the potential to improve post-exercise energy metabolism and antioxidant function in young male adults.