Top 8 Health Benefits of Drumstick with Its Uses and Side Effects

A native of the subcontinent of India The scientific name for drumsticks is Moringa Oleifera. It is also known as the drumstick tree, the ben oil tree, the moringa tree, and the horseradish tree. Drumstick is also known by numerous vernacular names such as shevga in Marathi, shajan in Hindi, murungai in Tamil, muringnga in Malayalam and munagakaya in Telugu.

Nearly all parts of the drumstick tree can be consumed by humans. Traditional herbal medicine often makes use of them, particularly the pods and the leaves. Drumstick is a fast-growing tree that is extensively grown for its soft seed pod, leaves that are used as a vegetable and are loaded with necessary nutrients, and as a medicine in Siddha for its indispensable therapeutic characteristics. The moringa tree is a plant that thrives in bright sunlight, can survive in arid environments and requires very little water to cultivate successfully.

If you’re a vegetarian who wants to put on muscle, drumsticks are a great addition to your diet. The plant’s abundance of bioactive plant components makes it a healthy food source. Antioxidants can be found in drumsticks as well. As a result, they can be included in a wide range of nutritious meal plans. Moreover, tasty dishes can be prepared with easily accessible ingredients. All around the country, people are using them. Ayurvedic medicine suggests that drumsticks, thanks to their high nutritional value, water retention capacity, and purifying abilities, may be useful in the treatment of a wide range of ailments.

Nutritional value of drumstick per 100gms

Drumstick pods are a nutrient-dense powerhouse. The drumstick has been utilised to fight malnutrition, particularly in infants and nursing moms.

Drumstick contains numerous uncommon forms of essential minerals and nutrients. Drumstick pods, leaves, flowers, barks, roots, and seeds also contain bioactive chemicals.

In nutshell, Drumsticks are rich in essential minerals and nutrients, including protein (2.1g), fiber (3.2g), calcium (30mg), iron (0.36mg), magnesium (45mg), and potassium (461mg) per 100 grams. They also contain bioactive chemicals and vitamins like Vitamin C (141 mg), Vitamin B6 (0.12mg), and folate (44µg). With only 37 kcal per 100 grams, drumsticks are a nutrient-dense addition to any diet.

Properties of Drumstick

Drumstick is beneficial in lowering blood sugar levels. It is beneficial for individuals with prediabetes, and diabetes. Here are the other medicinal properties of drumstick that make it a valuable vegetable:

1. Antimicrobial property: Drumstick pods exhibits antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms.
2. Antiinflammatory property: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation and associated symptoms.
3. Anticancer property: Research suggests Drumstick can help cancer prevention.
4. Antiulcer property: Drumstick pods can also protect the stomach lining from ulcer formation.
5. Antiurolithiatic property: It can also prevent the formation of urinary stones.
6. Cardiovascular activity: It has cardiovascular activity, supporting heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
7. Neuroprotective property: It shows neuroprotective effects, potentially protecting against neurological disorders.
8. Antidepressant property: Some research also indicates that drumsticks posess antidepressant properties, contributing to mood improvement and mental well-being.
9. Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Drumsticks can also aid in the treatment of infections.
10. Wound healing property: It also promotes wound healing, accelerating the process of tissue repair and regeneration.
11. Anti-inflammatory properties: With its anti-inflammatory properties, this vegetable can alleviate inflammation-related conditions and symptoms.
12. Rich in Minerals and Vitamins: A rich source of vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins, as well as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
13. Anti-allergic properties

Health Benefits of Drumsticks

Drumstick pods aid in diarrhoea relief and support liver, spleen, and joint health. In addition to these benefits, drumstick pods have also been found effective in managing bronchial asthma. Certain compounds present in drumsticks exhibit bronchodilator properties, helping to improve respiratory function and alleviate asthma symptoms.

Moreover, drumstick pods are believed to have positive effects on fertility. They contain nutrients and bioactive compounds that may support reproductive health. The other drumstick benefits include:

List of 8 Health Benefits of Drumsticks

1. Anti diabetic
2. Anti cancer
3. Cholesterol-lowering activity
4. Protects brain
5. Prevents renal dysfunction
6. Used as anti ulcer agent
7. Boost immunity
8. Antibacterial

Anti diabetic

Drumsticks are full of important minerals, vitamins, and fibre, which helps to bring down increased blood sugar level by a large amount. A study has shown that the aqueous extracts of Drumsticks (M. oleifera) can cure both Type 1 diabetes (caused by the drug streptozocin) and Type 2 diabetes (caused by insulin resistance) in rats.

Anti cancer

Drumstick leaves can be used to fight cancer because it is natural, reliable, and safe at concentrations that have already been tested. Studies have shown that Drumstick leaves can be used to treat cancer because it helps stop cancer cells from growing. Drumstick leaves extracts have been shown to be antioxidants and anticancer agents, therefore it is able to neutralise free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the cells.

Cholesterol-lowering activity

It is possible that the presence of a bioactive phytoconstituent known as beta-sitosterol in the crude extract of Moringa leaves is responsible for the significant cholesterol-lowering action that it has in the serum of high-fat diet-fed rats. Moringa leaves are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Protects brain

R. Ganguly and D. Guha studied the effects of ethanolic extract of drumstick leaves on brain monoamines (norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin) and EEG wave pattern in rats with Alzheimer’s disease. When drumsticks leaf extract is used to treat a person, the monoamine levels in the brain return to almost normal levels.

Prevents renal dysfunction

It has been discovered that the roots, leaves, flowers, and gum of the moringa tree, as well as an aqueous infusion of the seeds, all have a diuretic effect.

Used as anti ulcer agent

At doses of 500 mg and 350 mg, drumsticks helped to reduce acidity in gastric ulcers by 86.15 and 85.13 percent, respectively. It can be used as an antiulcer drug.

Boost immunity

Patients diagnosed with AIDS often receive a recommendation from herbal practitioners to consume drumsticks. It is recommended that HIV-positive persons take drumsticks in their diets as a means of boosting their immune systems.

Antibacterial

Extracts of drumsticks have been demonstrated to be effective against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholera, according to a study that was conducted by Viera et.al.

Best ways to use drumstick

1) Used as a water purifier

The seed of the drumstick plant is a natural coagulant that contains a cationic protein that has the ability to make cloudy water more clear. The extract of drumsticks seeds has the capacity to purge water of heavy metals such as lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic.

2) Ben oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil

Drumsticks seed oil (yield 30–40% by weight), also called Ben oil, is a sweet oil that doesn’t stick, doesn’t dry out, and doesn’t go bad. It has been used in salads, to lubricate small machines, to make perfume, and to make hair care products. The oil can be used in place of olive oil when cooking.

3) Used in cosmetics

Some parts of the protein in drumstick seeds are good for your skin and hair. Oil cake has been used to get two new active ingredients for use in cosmetics. It protects the skin from the outside world and stops the skin from getting old too quickly. The drumsticks seed extract is an innovative way to care for hair that is accepted around the world. It helps fight pollution and conditions and strengthens hair. (Stussi et al., 2002)

4) Fortification of maize flour

Aluko et al. tested how cookies made with a mixture of maize flour and moringa seed flour tasted. Different amounts of each flour were mixed into the flour, and the best combination was 92.5% maize flour and 7.5% moringa seed flour. People liked how crisp, fragrant, tasty, and colourful this was. In a study, drumstick leaves have also been added to cereal gruels to boost the amount of protein and energy. The cereal gruel, which was made of 65% popcorn and 35% moringa leaves, was blanched and allowed to ferment. The fermented ones had more protein and energy, but the cereal that had been blanched had more minerals.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Drumsticks into Your Diet

There are lots of tasty ways to incorporate drumsticks into your diet creatively. Here are some of the ways:

• Soups, curries or salads: Drumsticks are a flexible component that enhances the nutritional value of any dish when added to soups, curries, and even salads. 
• Biryani: Try adding drumsticks to biryani for a filling lunch; their delicate flavour goes well with the spices and rice. 
• Sambhar: A widely used technique involves incorporating drumsticks into sambhar, a customary lentil stew from South India, to augment its taste and nutritional composition. 
• Dal: They can also be added to the dal preparations for a new take on a traditional meal. 
• Stir-fries: Another fantastic alternative is to make stir-fries, which are just sautéing drumsticks with your preferred vegetables and seasonings for a quick and nutritious side meal. 

Add some diversity to your diet and reap the health benefits of drumsticks, which are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Drumstick recipe you can include in your everyday diet:

Drumsticks Curry:

• Drumsticks: 15g
• Oil: 3ml
• Grated coconut: 2 tbsp
• Onion (chopped): 1 medium
• Garlic cloves: 5-6
• Ginger (grated): 1 tsp
• Tomato (pulped): 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds: ½tsp
• Turmeric powder: ¼tsp
• Red chillies (dry): 2 tsp
• Coriander leaves: 1 tsp finely chopped
• Curry powder: ¼ tsp
• Salt to taste

1. Add water, drumstick pieces, salt, turmeric powder in a vessel and place that vessel in the pressure cooker. Cook till 2 whisltes
2. Heat the oil in a pan. Now fry chopped onions until they turn brown and then roast the dry coconut in the same pan. And grind both into a fine paste after cooling.
3. Make ginger and garlic paste.
4. Now in a deep pan add oil and add ginger garlic paste. Just after the raw smell of ginger garlic paste is gone add onion coconut paste and fry till it releases oil on the sides.
5. Now add the tomato pulp. Cook for 5-7 mins till it cooks it well.
6. Now, add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and curry powder. Then add prepared drumsticks.
7. Lastly, add hot water to make curry consistency and salt to taste. Cook for 5 minutes. Keep on medium flame.
8. Garnish with coriander leaves.
9. Serve hot and fresh alongside Bhakari or Jowari roti.

Interactions With Other Drugs

Although very nutrient-dense, drumsticks may interfere with some drugs, so it’s important to think things through and get expert advice. Here are specific possible interactions and safety measures:

Interaction with Diabetic Medications:

• Possible Interaction: Studies have demonstrated a reduction in blood glucose levels in drumstick leaves. This impact may intensify if used with diabetic drugs, which may result in hypoglycemia (a dangerously low blood sugar level).
• Precaution: If you are taking diabetic medicine and consuming drumstick leaves, it is recommended that you regularly monitor your blood glucose levels. Before mixing these, speak with your doctor so that you can, if needed, modify the dosage of your medications.

Interaction with Blood Pressure-Lowering Medications:

• Possible Interaction: Blood pressure can be lowered by drumstick leaves as well. This can result in hypotension, or unusually low blood pressure, when taken with blood pressure drugs. In extreme circumstances, this can cause dizziness, fainting, or even shock.
• Take caution: Unless your physician instructs you otherwise, do not take drumstick leaves with blood pressure drugs. To make sure blood pressure stays within a safe range, regular monitoring is advised.

Before including drumstick leaves in your diet, always consult a doctor, especially if you are taking any other medications. They will be knowledgeable about your health and able to offer advise that is specific to you based on your medical background and ongoing therapies.

Make sure you adhere to the directions provided by your doctor regarding the use of drumsticks and the taking of prescribed drugs. To avoid unfavorable outcomes, any modifications or revisions should be professionally overseen.

Some aftereffects and precautions

Although consumption of the leaves, pods, flowers and seeds of the drumstick is safe; however, consuming excessive amounts of the pods and seeds might lead to a number of side effects. Moringa roots or root extracts should not be taken orally since they contain spirochin, a chemical that is known to be poisonous. Here are list of side effects that may be caused due to excess consumption of drumsticks and other parts of the tree:

• Large amounts may reduce blood pressure and slow down heart rate due to an abundance of alkaloids.
• Excess consumption of drumsticks may interfere with blood sugar levels, hence watch for any symptoms of hypoglycaemia.
• Avoid drumstick supplements with hypertensive drugs as it may lower blood pressure.
• Exposure to inhaled irritants is the primary factor in the development of occupational asthma.
• It is also not advisable to take drumsticks with thyroid medication.
• It can also cause abortion.

Conclusion

A drumstick tree is a tree where each of its parts is beneficial to mankind. It can be revolutionary in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, however, more research is needed. Drumstick leaves, pods, seeds, roots and bark have numerous benefits like anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidiuretic, antioxidant, coagulant and anti-microbial to list some. However, overconsumption can cause mild to severe side effects. Indeed, the Drumstick tree is an invaluable gift of nature.

The goodness of drumstick leaves can be consumed orally to improve our overall health in the form of capsules or Moringa tea. These products are available on Truemeds at discounted prices and get them delivered to your doorstep anywhere in India. Also, you can have free teleconsultation with our expert doctors for consuming these products.

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