Are malunggay and moringa the same? Unveiling the 'Miracle Tree'

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to botanists, the plant known as malunggay in the Philippines is scientifically identified as Moringa oleifera. This means that, despite the different names, malunggay and moringa are indeed the same powerful, nutrient-dense plant.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the relationship between malunggay and moringa, confirming they are the same plant with various regional names. It details the plant's rich nutritional profile and extensive uses, from traditional medicine to culinary applications, and highlights its global significance as a superfood.

Key Points

Identity Clarification: Malunggay and moringa are the same plant species, Moringa oleifera, with 'malunggay' being the common name in the Philippines.
Nutritional Density: The leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, containing more Vitamin C than oranges and more calcium than milk.
Global Recognition: Known as the 'miracle tree,' it is used worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal properties.
Versatile Uses: Nearly every part of the tree, including leaves, pods, flowers, and seeds, is used in cooking, traditional medicine, and even water purification.
Sustainable Superfood: Moringa is a drought-tolerant, fast-growing plant that offers a sustainable and affordable source of nutrition, especially in regions battling malnutrition.
Health Benefits: The plant has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential blood sugar-regulating effects, in addition to its known use for boosting lactation.

Are Malunggay and Moringa the Same? Decoding the Terminology

The most straightforward answer is yes: malunggay and moringa are names for the same species of plant, Moringa oleifera. The tree is known by hundreds of names around the world, reflecting its wide distribution and cultural significance. While 'moringa' is its widely recognized botanical name and a common English moniker, 'malunggay' is the name predominantly used in the Philippines. Other common names include the 'drumstick tree,' referring to its long, slender pods, and the 'horseradish tree,' due to the flavor of its roots. This diverse nomenclature often leads to confusion, but it is important to understand that anyone referring to these plants is talking about the very same 'miracle tree.'

The Nutritional Profile: A Comparison of Malunggay (Moringa) Leaves

One of the primary reasons for the plant's global acclaim is its dense nutritional content, particularly in its leaves. Research highlights its exceptionally high levels of essential vitamins and minerals. Below is a table comparing the nutritional content of 100 grams of fresh moringa leaves to other common nutrient sources.


Nutrient	Moringa (Malunggay)	Cow's Milk	Oranges	Spinach
Vitamin C	141.0 mg	0 mg	53.2 mg	28.1 mg
Calcium	1000 mg	125 mg	40 mg	99 mg
Potassium	461 mg	150 mg	181 mg	558 mg
Protein	2.10 g	3.28 g	0.94 g	2.86 g
Iron	0.36 mg	0 mg	0.1 mg	2.7 mg

Note: Nutritional data for comparison sources were sourced from the USDA standard reference data and are estimates for fresh, raw food products.

As the table clearly illustrates, moringa (malunggay) is a nutritional powerhouse. Its leaves contain significantly more vitamin C than oranges and notably higher levels of calcium than milk. This impressive nutrient density is why organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) have promoted its use as an affordable health enhancer, particularly in areas facing malnutrition.

Traditional and Modern Uses of Malunggay (Moringa)

For centuries, people have used nearly every part of the Moringa oleifera tree for culinary and medicinal purposes. Its versatility has cemented its role in many traditional diets and health practices across Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Culinary Applications

Leaves: The feathery leaflets are a staple vegetable in many Filipino dishes, such as tinola, a chicken and ginger soup, and are often used similarly to spinach in other cuisines. They can also be dried and ground into a powder to add to smoothies, sauces, and baked goods.
Pods: The young, immature pods, known as 'drumsticks,' are cooked and consumed in curries and soups, particularly in South Asian cuisine. Their taste is often compared to asparagus.
Flowers: The fragrant flowers are edible and sometimes used in teas or fried as a delicacy.

Medicinal and Health Uses

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains numerous antioxidant compounds like quercetin and isothiocyanates, which help protect cells from damage and combat inflammation.
Galactagogue Properties: For nursing mothers, malunggay is a well-regarded galactagogue, believed to encourage and increase breast milk production.
Potential Blood Sugar Regulation: Some studies suggest that moringa leaf extract may help manage blood sugar and insulin levels, although more comprehensive human studies are needed.
Water Purification: The seeds of the moringa tree can be used as a flocculant to purify water, clumping together impurities and making them easier to remove.

The Future of Malunggay (Moringa)

As research continues to reveal the extensive benefits of this plant, its global recognition and cultivation are expanding rapidly. It is valued not only for its health benefits but also for its hardiness, thriving in semi-arid, tropical, and subtropical climates. This resilience makes it a sustainable crop that can contribute to food security in regions experiencing drought and malnutrition. The ongoing study of Moringa oleifera explores new applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and sustainable agriculture, securing its place as a crucial plant for the future.

The takeaway

Ultimately, whether you call it malunggay or moringa, the plant is a nutritional powerhouse with vast potential. The varying names simply reflect its wide adoption across different cultures. Its rich history of use in traditional medicine and its modern recognition as a superfood attest to its incredible value. From nourishing soups to powerful health supplements, the 'miracle tree' continues to offer impressive benefits to those who cultivate and consume it.

Here is a useful resource for further reading on the nutritional properties of Moringa oleifera, from the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no nutritional difference because they are the same plant, Moringa oleifera. Any variation in nutrient content would be due to growing conditions, soil quality, or processing methods, not the name.

Besides moringa, other common English names for the plant include the drumstick tree (referring to its pods), the horseradish tree (due to the flavor of its roots), and the ben oil tree (from the oil extracted from its seeds).

It is called the 'miracle tree' because almost every part of the plant is edible and offers exceptional nutritional and medicinal benefits, thriving even in arid, poor soil conditions where other food sources are scarce.

Yes, malunggay (moringa) is a well-known galactagogue, and studies have shown that consuming supplements made from the leaves can help increase milk flow in nursing women.

You can consume it in many ways, including adding the fresh leaves to soups and salads, using dried leaf powder in smoothies or sauces, or taking it in capsule form as a supplement.

Consuming the leaves of malunggay (moringa) is generally considered safe during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. However, it is advised to avoid the root, bark, and flowers, as they contain substances that can cause uterine contractions. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.

Drying can affect the concentration of certain nutrients, but the process, when done correctly, helps preserve much of its nutritional value, making the powder a convenient and effective supplement.