Today, numerous government and/or private, local and international groups, organizations, councils, commissions, and institutions are working to maximize the health, nutritional, economic, environmental, therapeutic and medicinal benefits of the moringa (malunggay) plant.

Here’s some interesting information about the moringa (malunggay) tree:

• Moringa tree is known by the different names in different countries.
Examples are:- Philippines: Malunggay; Bangladesh: Sajina; China: La Mu; India: Sahjan, Murunga,
Moonga; Indonesia: Kalor; Japan: Wasabi No Ki; Sri Lanka: Murunga; Taiwan: La Mu; Thailand:
Marum; Vietnam: Chum Ngay; Somalia: Dangap; Palau: Malungkai and other languages: - Arabic: Habbah
Ghaliah; English: Drumstick tree, Horse radish tree, West Indian ben; German: Behembaum; Spanish:
Ben, Arbol del ben, Mornago, Moringa.

• Moringa (malunggay) is grown all over the Philippines and is a popular backyard plant; a sun and heat loving plant and does not grow well in cold weather;

• Moringa is now widely cultivated not only in the Philippines but in other countries like India, Africa, Ceylon, Thailand, Burma, Singapore, Taiwan, West Indies, Magadascar, Ethiopia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tropical Asia, Bangladesh, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands;

• There are 13 different species of moringa (malunggay) plant and the best known specie and the most widely cultivated is the moringa oleifera a specie native to the Philippines;

• The leaves, flowers, seeds, pods, roots, bark, gum and the seed oil from the moringa (malunggay) plant are continually being subjected to intensive research and development programs because the various constituents of the moringa are known to have, among other properties, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-tumor and anti-aging activities. No wonder moringa (malunggay) tree is known as the ‘miracle plant.’ Today, the first hard-bound, full-color, comprehensive reference guidebook on the moringa plant and the numerous moringa by-products that are created and marketed worldwide – is now available.

The moringa (malunggay) book (9” x 12”, 312 pages, 750 colored pictures) is authored by Luis R. Villafuerte and Lalaine Villafuerte-Abonal – my husband and daughter, both of whom are passionate advocates and crusaders of moringa (malunggay), the miracle plant. For more information about the Moringa (Malunggay Philippines) book, please call telefax (02) 551-88-55.

It is envisioned that through this book, government policy makers will be encouraged to promote a more creative development of the moringa industry. Also, Moringa (Malunggay Philippines) is an inspiring source book of information to plant lovers, researchers, nutritionists, natural scientists, herbologists, naturopaths, entrepreneurs and healthcare workers. Those who are interested in the study and application of beneficial trees and plants will find interesting insights in the nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical uses of the various parts of the moringa tree.

Have a joyful day!