Fact Check: Can Moringa Remove 10-15 Year Old Pigmentation Quickly?
An Instagram reel claims that drinking overnight soaked moringa water can remove a 10-15 year old pigmentation quickly. The claim by the user is False.
Claim
In an Instagram reel it is claimed that moringa can remove a 10-15 year old pigmentation quickly. The reel by mansifaceyoga states that " See magic overnight. Pigmentation from 10-15 years old? Soak it overnight. Drink in morning." The is captioned as "Drumstick (Moringa) – nature’s gift for flawless skin! Soak it overnight and strain and drink it and It help to get rid of pigmentation, quickly. At Mansi Face Yoga, we believe in natural remedies to fight pigmentation and dark spots. Try it and see the difference!"
The reel can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The claim by the user is false. There is no scientific evidence that moringa (Moringa oleifera) can quickly or effectively remove skin pigmentation that is 10–15 years old. While moringa contains antioxidants and nutrients that may support general skin health, it is not a proven treatment for long-standing pigmentation.
What is skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation refers to the coloration of the skin, primarily determined by the presence and amount of melanin, a pigment produced by specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanin synthesis and distribution vary significantly among individuals due to factors like genetics, UV exposure, and certain medications. Pigmentation can appear excessive (hyperpigmentation) or diminished (hypopigmentation) depending on underlying conditions.
Causes of skin pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation abnormalities can arise from several causes, including:
- Genetic factors – e.g., albinism
- UV exposure – can increase melanin production
- Hormonal changes – such as in melasma
- Autoimmune disorders – such as vitiligo
- Endocrine disorders – like Addison’s disease
- Inflammatory skin conditions – such as eczema or acne vulgaris
- Post-inflammatory responses – leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
- Drug interactions – certain drugs can alter melanin synthesis or skin appearance
Management of skin pigmentation?
Management strategies for pigmentation disorders involve a combination of:
1. Topical and oral medications:
- Tyrosinase inhibitors – reduce melanin production
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Antioxidants
2. Herbal remedies
3. Marine-derived treatments
4. Cosmetic products
5. Clinical supervision
Health Benefits of Moringa
Moringa (Moringa oleifera), known as the “miracle tree” or “tree of life,” is a valuable medicinal plant with many health benefits. Traditionally, it has been used to treat wounds, pain, ulcers, liver and heart diseases, cancer, and inflammation. Studies confirm that different parts of the plant have hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Over 100 bioactive compounds have been identified, including alkaloids, flavonoids, vitamins, and unique compounds like muramoside A&B and niazimin A&B, which have strong antioxidant, anticancer, and antihypertensive properties.
Can Moringa remove 10-15 year old pigmentation?
While moringa (commonly known as drumstick tree or Moringa oleifera) contains antioxidants and skin-benefiting nutrients, there is no credible scientific evidence that it can remove pigmentation that is 10–15 years old. Its effects on skin lightening are mild, supportive at best, and unlikely to reverse long-standing hyperpigmentation without additional medical treatments.
A study published in Advances in Dermatology and Allergology showed that, unlike the base cream, the Moringa cream significantly improved skin volume, texture, and several skin surface parameters, including smoothness and reduction in wrinkles. The findings suggested that the Moringa-based cream effectively promoted skin revitalization and supported anti-aging benefits. However, the article does not mention the effects of drinking water infused with soaked Moringa, nor does it address skin pigmentation.
Another study published in Food Science and Wellness concluded that Quercetin (a flavonoid compound) from Moringa oleifera leaves binds strongly to the tyrosinase enzyme and shows potential as a natural skin-lightening agent. The study was conducted using computer simulation. However, the study did not examine or mention the effects of drinking Moringa water soaked overnight, and its findings are limited to molecular-level interactions observed through computational analysis.
An article published in Drugs in Context mentions that treatments for hyperpigmentation include sun protection, topical and systemic therapies, chemical peels, and laser treatments. Hydroquinone is the first-line topical treatment, while other methods can be effective but must be used cautiously.
In conclusion, while Moringa oleifera contains beneficial compounds like quercetin and has shown some potential in topical formulations for improving skin texture and supporting anti-aging, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking Moringa water can remove 10-15 year old pigmentation,. Clinical studies demonstrating skin benefits from Moringa have used topical creams with therapeutic concentrations, not oral consumption. Even if Moringa offers minor skin-lightening effects, these would likely require several months of consistent use and would need to be combined with medically approved treatments such as topical agents, sun protection, or dermatological procedures. It is important to understand that Moringa is not a standalone cure for hyperpigmentation and should not replace evidence-based therapies.
Dr Swati Mohan, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said, "Soaking moringa overnight, strain it & then drink it to help acid pigmentation as one of the combination methods to rid pigmentation. It has an anti-inflammatory and brightening as well as anti bacterial effect on your skin so it helps to fight pigmentation.
Though it may start showing some effects as early as has two weeks but usually consistent & prolonged use of several months is required as result depends on multiple factors like age, your health, lifestyle & diet, targeted Conditions, maintaining moringa intake consistently."
Dr. Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant, Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, said, "As a dermatologist, my opinion would be that moringa contains antioxidants, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids, which can be good for the skin overall and can lighten pigmentation over time. There is not much scientific data to establish that moringa can erase pigmentation easily and efficiently by itself. Conditions such as melasma, sun spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation tend to need specific treatments for example, topical retinoids, hydroquinone, vitamin C serums, or in-office procedures for example, chemical peels and lasers. Moringa can be utilized as an adjunctive treatment, but not as a standalone treatment, nor as an instant one."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
The claim that moringa can remove 10–15-year-old pigmentation is not supported by scientific evidence. While moringa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may promote healthier skin, it is not a proven treatment for pigmentation. Additionally, while some studies mention the use of topical moringa creams, there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of drinking water infused with soaked moringa for skin pigmentation.
Hence, the claim is FALSE.
