In animal studies, moringa leaves and seeds have shown to have benefits on prostate health, improve penile blood flow, and neutralize sperm-damaging oxidative stress. They may also lower a post-meal increase in blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Moringa — also known as Moringa oleifera, the miracle, and drumstick tree — is a tree valued for its nutritious leaves and purported medicinal properties.

Native to Northwestern India, nearly every part of the plant has long been used in herbal medicine to treat more than 300 conditions.

That said, most of the benefits linked to moringa are limited to test-tube and animal studies and may not translate to people.

Nonetheless, of the plant’s many studied and promising health benefits, several may be specific to males.

Here are four potential benefits of moringa for males, as well as information on its safety and side effects.

Moringa seeds and leaves are rich in sulfur-containing compounds called glucosinolates, which may have anticancer properties.

Test-tube studies have demonstrated that the glucosinolates from the plant’s seeds may prevent or slow the growth of human prostate cancer cells.

It’s also speculated that moringa could help prevent benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This condition typically becomes more common as males age and is characterized by enlargement of the prostate, which can make urination difficult.

In one 2022 rat study, results showed that moringa leaf extract improved the appearance of the prostate, reduced cell growth, and had anti-inflammatory effects. The extracts did not harm the liver or kidneys in rats. Researchers stated that more studies are needed to fully understand its benefits.

Additionally, a 2019 study on rats demonstrated that the plant decreased testosterone levels in treated rats. In humans, low testosterone levels can:

  • reduce sex drive
  • reduce erectile function
  • lead to a loss of lean muscle mass
  • cause depression

This testosterone-lowering effect could also interfere with the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy in males with low testosterone.

Ultimately, studies in humans are necessary to determine whether moringa has beneficial effects on prostate health or lowers testosterone in males.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex.

The condition often occurs when there’s a problem with blood flow, which may result from high blood pressure, high levels of fat in the blood, or certain conditions like diabetes.

Moringa leaves contain beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols, which may enhance blood flow by increasing nitric oxide production and decreasing blood pressure.

What’s more, studies in rats have shown that extract from the plant’s leaves and seeds inhibit key enzymes linked to ED that increase blood pressure and decrease nitric oxide production.

One 2021 study demonstrated that a moringa seed extract relaxed the smooth muscle in the penis of healthy rats, allowing for more blood flow to the area. The extract also alleviated ED in rats with diabetes.

However, to date, no study on the topic has been conducted in humans. It remains unknown if moringa’s beneficial effects on ED in animals translate to humans.

Males are estimated to cause or contribute to infertility problems in about 40% of cases, with reduced sperm production and problems with sperm motility being among the most common causes.

Moringa leaves and seeds are excellent sources of antioxidants, which may help combat oxidative damage that can interfere with sperm production or damage sperm DNA.

Studies in rabbits have shown that leaf powder from the plant significantly improved semen volume, as well as sperm count and motility.

Studies in rats have further demonstrated that the antioxidant properties of moringa leaf extract significantly increased sperm count in cases of induced undescended testicles.

What’s more, studies in rats and rabbits have shown that this leaf extract may prevent the loss of sperm caused by excessive heat, chemotherapy, or electromagnetic rays emitted from cell phones.

While these results are promising, studies in humans are needed before conclusions can be made on the effectiveness of moringa for improving male fertility.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t efficiently use it. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels after eating.

The condition is more prevalent in males than in females. This may be because males tend to store more harmful fat around their abdominal region, called visceral fat, which decreases the effectiveness of insulin, increasing diabetes risk.

A 2022 review of studies mice and rats with diabetes have shown that extracts from moringa leaves and seeds may lower blood sugar levels by either increasing insulin production or the uptake of sugar into cells.

One 2020 review of seven studies notes that five of there seven studies found that moringa significantly reduced blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

More research is needed in people to determine its effectiveness.

According to another 2022 review of human and animal studies, there is “overwhelming evidence” that moringa can improve blood sugar levels, lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity. It also shows protective effects against liver or kidney damage in animal with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

While these results are promising, additional long-term, high quality studies involving more people are needed before any firm conclusions can be made on the effectiveness of moringa for managing type 2 diabetes.

Moringa’s long history of use in herbal medicine and as food suggests that the plant is likely to be safe and well-tolerated by people.

While there’s insufficient evidence in humans to suggest that the plant can reliably benefit different aspects of male health, it’s still highly nutritious.

You can buy moringa leaf in powder, capsule, or extract form. It’s also sold as an herbal tea in natural and flavored varieties.

However, those who have reduced testosterone levels or are taking medications for blood pressure or blood sugar control should speak with their healthcare professional before taking these supplements, as the plant may affect how these medications work.

According to test-tube and animal studies, moringa leaves and seeds may protect against prostate cancer, alleviate ED, and improve fertility and blood sugar control.

However, more studies in humans are needed before the plant can be confidently recommended for these benefits.

Still, moringa leaves are highly nutritious and can be consumed as a powder, pill, extract, or tea.