Phytochemical Constituents, Proximate Composition and Mineral Analysis of Aqueous and Ethanolic Stem Bark, Seed Extracts and Plant Parts of Moringa oleifera

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a small size multipurpose tree of approximately 5 to 10 m in height which is cultivated all over the world. The phytochemical constituents of aqueous and ethanolic stem bark and seed extracts of Moringa oleifera were assessed and compared. The mineral and proximate analyses were carried out on some selected parts of the plant. The result of the qualitative phytochemical constituents showed the presence of tannins, flavonoid, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and cardiac glycoside in both aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Results showed the presence of iron, calcium, potassium and zinc. Proximate analysis in all the investigated plant parts revealed the presence of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber and ash with the leaves having highest percentage of protein (18.61%). The results from this study prove extensively the use of the plant in ethnomedicine and its potential for diet formulation.