Drumstick (Sahjan): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Rajeev Singh
Last updated: Oct 23, 2024 Published on: Jul 24, 2022
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Table of Contents
Often seeing floating in your bowl of sambhar, Drumstick is scientifically known as Moringa oleifera Lam. It belongs to the family Moringaceae. It is a small, fast-growing, evergreen tree that grows in tropical regions. It is found in the Himalayan areas of India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Drumstick is also known as horseradish tree or drumstick tree (in English), Subhanjana (in Sanskrit), Haritashaaka or Akshiva (in Ayurveda) and Sainjna or Saguna (in Hindi).1
Every part of the drumstick might contain essential properties for human health; hence, it may be one of the crucial nutritional herbs. For many years, the drumstick has been used as traditional medicine. According to the Ayurvedic system of medicine, drumsticks may have potential use and be helpful for various diseases due to their high nutritional value, water retention and capacity for purification.1
Drumstick provides large and rare varieties of vital minerals and nutrients. Pods, leaves, flowers, barks, roots and seeds of drumsticks also contain bioactive compounds.1
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Based on my observations, I have found that different parts of the Moringa tree, including the leaves, pods and roots, may possess analgesic properties, which means they can help alleviate pain. I recommend considering the use of Moringa as a natural remedy for pain relief.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
The major constituents of the drumstick possess biological activities that might play a role in its potential use in several medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, Unani, yoga, naturopathy, and Siddha.1 The potential properties of drumstick are as follows:
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I highly recommend incorporating Moringa into your diet as it might be an exceptional source of vitamin A. This essential nutrient has the potential to safeguard your eye health and prevent deficiencies. Including Moringa in your meals, especially for your children, is a great step towards maintaining optimal vision and promoting overall eye well-being.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Drumsticks might have a wide range of uses with high nutritional value. Various parts of this plant act as stimulants that might possess various activities employed to help with different diseases in the indigenous systems of medicine, particularly in South Asia.3 Some of the potential uses of drumstick are described as follows.
The leaf extract of drumstick might show potential anti-diabetic properties that might help lower blood glucose levels. An animal study (Gupta R et al. 2012) showed that the extract of leaves of drumsticks might help reduce the progression of diabetes and may induce a reduction in serum glucose levels by increasing the production of protein and insulin hormone.1
Another animal study (Ndong M et al. 2007) showed that the extract of drumstick leaves might help control glucose levels, urinary sugar and protein levels, hemoglobin, and total protein in the blood.4 However, more studies are required to ascertain the above-mentioned claims. Kindly consult a doctor as diabetes is a serious condition and should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Various animal studies (B.S. Rathi et al. 2006, V.I. Hukkeri et al. 2006) suggest that the extracts from dried leaves of drumsticks might show wound healing action in animal models over granuloma (dead space), excision, and incision. It also significantly decreases scar area, might help in increasing wound closure, and may strengthen skin breaking.4 However, more studies are required on humans to prove the potential uses of drumsticks for wound healing.
Barks, leaves, seeds, flowers, and roots of drumsticks might have a diuretic activity that may be helpful for urine formation in patients with kidney dysfunction. It might also help to lower the deposition of oxalate salts (stones forming units) in the kidneys. An animal study (R.V. Karadi et al. 2008) found that the extract of drumstick root lowers the kidney retention of salts and excretion in the urine. Moreover, these extracts also reduce elevated serum uric acid and creatinine levels.4 This information is insufficient as these studies were done on animals. However, more studies on humans are required to back this claim. Kidney diseases are serious and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor, so kindly consult a doctor. We recommend do not use drumsticks to self-medicate yourselves before taking medical advice.
The leaves and seed of the drumstick might show potential anti-tumor activity. They contain certain compounds which might act as inhibitors and may inhibit the activity of tumour-promoting molecules. In-vitro studies on human cancer cells showed the potential toxic effects of drumstick leaf extracts on cancer cells at the highest dose contributing to the least viability of cancerous cells.4 However, much more extensive research is required to prove the potential use of drumsticks for cancer. Moreover, cancer is a serious condition and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.
Though there are studies that show the potential uses of drumsticks in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of drumsticks on human health.
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Be careful when consuming Moringa leaves! They contain a high concentration of saponins, which can interfere with the absorption of important minerals like zinc and magnesium. It is important to be mindful of this potential risk and consider the impact on your mineral intake.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Drumstick can be used in the following ways:
You should always consult your Ayurvedic physician before consuming a drumstick for regular use. They will be the best person to prescribe you the correct form and dosage as per your health condition.
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Over the last few years, drumsticks have been significantly researched due to its natural origin and fewer side effects. It is an anti-allergic agent and might be used as a herbal remedy under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.4,5 However, some people might experience allergic reactions to the seedpods of the drumstick. The most common side effects are:
Drumstick (Sahjan) is generally considered to be safe if it is consumed in small quantities. However, general precautions have to be followed to avoid complications.
Kindly do not self-medicate, alter, replace, or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own. Please ensure to consult your doctor regarding health issues.
Drumstick contains many bioactive compounds, which interact with certain drug-metabolising enzymes resulting in alteration in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination from the body and possibly causing toxicity and failure of treatment. The leaf extract of the drumstick inhibits one of such enzymes, which is responsible for the detoxification of drugs.6
Kindly consult a doctor before consuming drumsticks and make sure that it is safe for you.
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Drumstick contains vitamins such as vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B6, and B9 which might be beneficial for various health conditions.2 However, people should not use drumsticks to self-medicate themselves prior to consulting a doctor.
There is insufficient and inconclusive data regarding the potential use of drumsticks during pregnancy. Kindly consult your gynecologist and confirm its safety before eating it.
Yes. The leaf extracts of the drumstick might be helpful for thyroid hormones that might further help with hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormones).3
The other common names of drumsticks are Murinna or Sigru (in Malayalam), La ken (in Chinese), Suragavo (in Gujarati), Sainjna or Soanjna (in Punjabi), Morigkai (in Tamil), Rawang (in Arabian) and Mulaga or Munaga (in Telugu).4
A skin prick test is a potential diagnostic tool for determining allergic reactions caused by drumstick.5
Yes, moringa and drumstick typically refer to the same plant, Moringa oleifera. In some regions, the long, slender pods of the Moringa tree are commonly referred to as drumsticks due to their resemblance to drumsticks used in percussion instruments. Moringa is known for its nutritional benefits and is consumed in various forms worldwide.
Yes, drumstick (Moringa oleifera) contains calcium, albeit in relatively modest amounts compared to other calcium-rich foods. However, it can still contribute to your overall calcium intake, which is important for maintaining bone health, especially during pregnancy and lactation.
Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) is not known to significantly increase uric acid levels. In fact, it is often considered beneficial for managing uric acid due to its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to support kidney health. However, individual responses to foods can vary, so it’s advisable to monitor your body’s reaction and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about uric acid levels.
Drumstick (Moringa oleifera) is not known to significantly increase blood pressure. In fact, it may have the opposite effect due to its high potassium content, which can help regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. However, individual responses to foods can vary, so it’s essential to monitor your blood pressure levels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
Yes, drumstick pods can be eaten raw, but they are often cooked before consumption to soften their tough texture and enhance flavor. However, some people enjoy adding raw drumstick to salads or using it as a crunchy addition to dishes.
Yes, dogs can eat cooked drumstick vegetables in moderation, but it’s important to remove seeds and tough fibrous parts beforehand to prevent digestive issues. Introducing new foods gradually and consulting with a veterinarian is advisable for any dietary changes for your dog.
Kidney patients can generally eat drumsticks in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, they should consult with their healthcare provider or a dietitian to determine if it’s suitable for their specific condition and dietary restrictions. Drumstick is relatively low in potassium and phosphorus, making it potentially suitable for some kidney patients, but individual dietary needs may vary.
Yes, a drumstick (moringa) is considered beneficial for diabetes. It has compounds that may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, contributing to better diabetes management.
Yes, the drumstick (moringa) is high in potassium. It contains significant amounts of this essential mineral, which plays a crucial role in maintaining proper heart and muscle function.
1. Paikra BK, Dhongade HKJ, Gidwani B. Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Lam. J Pharmacopunc. 2017 Sep 24;20(3):194-200. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633671/pdf/2093-6966-v20-n03-194.pdf
2. US Department of Agriculture [Internet]. Drumstick pods, raw; 2019 Jan 4 [cited 2022 Jun 6]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170483/nutrients
3. Anwar F, Latif S, Ashraf M, Gilani AH. Moringa oleifera: A food plant with multiple medicinal uses. Phytother Res. 2007 Jan 1;21(1):17-25. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ptr.2023
4. Mishra G, Singh P, Verma R, Kumar S, Srivastav S, Jha KK, et al. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Moringa oleifera plant: An overview. Pharm Lett. 2011 Jan 1;3(2):141-64. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281577396_Traditional_uses_phytochemistry_and_pharmacological_properties_of_Moringa_oleifera_plant_An_overview
5. Berglund LJ. Anaphylaxis to Moringa oleifera: First description. Australas Med J. 2018 Apr 1;11(3):176-7. Available from: https://amj.net.au/index.php/AMJ/article/viewFile/3344/1655
6. Monera TG, Wolfe AR, Maponga CC, Benet LZ, Guglielmo J. Moringa oleifera leaf extracts inhibit 6β-hydroxylation of testosterone by CYP3A4. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2017 Apr 10;2(5):379-83. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385924/pdf/nihms854527.pdf
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