Proximate and phytochemical screening of different parts of Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Lack of proper nutrition is one of the most serious problem across the globe, affecting majorly African countries, where many children died not only due to inadequate food but also as a result of insufficient nutrient in their diet. This research was aimed to study the proximate composition and screening of chemical components in different part of Moringa oleifera Lam. Proximate analysis was adapted from the standard methods developed by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). We have determined percentage of moisture content, ash content, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat and carbohydrate which were ranges from 8.1–4%, 5.59–9.28%, 11.70–26.57%, 21.03–44.27, 11.82–20.19 and 8.16–31.12% respectively. Different bioactive compounds of polyphenol, flavonoids, tannins and saponin were determined. Different parts of plants accumulate different levels of polyphenol, flavonoids, tannins and saponin. Our study suggest that Moringa oleifera can served as a good supplement to our nutrition, due to high content of fibre, protein, fat. However intake of Moringa plant might reduce the risk of many oxidative related problems due to the present of some polyphenols and flavonoid in almost all part of the plant used.