Moringa Oleifera Seeds Research Articles

Integrated coagulation-flocculation with nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membrane for treating sugar cane industry effluent

Sugarcane industries, like other agro-food industries, generate significant volumes of wastewater containing high concentrations of organic and inorganic pollutants. Among the proposed treatment solutions, the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) has proven highly effective in degrading organic pollutants but has limitations in removing color and inorganic pollutants. To address this gap, integrating other technologies with AnMBR is necessary. In this study, we propose coupling AnMBR with either Coagulation-flocculation followed by nanofiltration or reverse osmosis for treating wastewater from sugar industries after initial AnMBR treatment. The wastewater treated by an anaerobic AnMBR pilot plant, fed with wastewater from a sugar cane production unit, was used for the tests. Various formulations of Moringa oleifera were tested, including its defatting and dehulling products with hexane and ethanol. For nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, pressures of 4 and 8 bars respectively were applied. For the coagulation-flocculation phase, granular alum and powdered moringa oleifera seeds were compared as coagulants. Thus, the coupling of the coagulation-flocculation system with nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes effectively reduced both organic and inorganic matter. The use of aluminum sulphate proved more effective at high pollution concentrations, while Moringa oleifera extracted with hexane achieved removal rates exceeding 70 % for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn). Purification efficiencies of over 90 % were obtained after filtration with the reverse osmosis membrane, while the nanofiltration membrane showed retention rates of 90 % for color, but less than 50 % for monovalent ions. The treated effluent at the outlet of the nanofiltration and reverse osmosis systems complies with Burkina Faso's discharge standards, with superior quality allowing for direct reuse in the industry.

A comparative investigation on the extraction-function relationship of polysaccharides derived from moringa oleifera seeds in terms of antioxidant capacity

Owing to the hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial bioactivities of Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS), the antioxidant activities and physicochemical characteristics of deproteinized polysaccharides extracted using hot water (MSWP) and alkali (MSAP) from MOS were systematically studied. MSAP exhibited higher antioxidant activity than MSWP in vitro. Subsequently, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated after oral administration of MSAP in diabetic rats. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in serum antioxidant parameters. The two polysaccharides were then purified and characterized. The molecular weights of purified fractions MSAP3 and MSWP1 were 4.582 × 104 Da and 1.9058 × 105 Da, respectively; the content of uronic acid in MSAP3 was higher than that in MSWP1; and both compounds presented typical infrared spectral absorption peaks of polysaccharides. In conclusion, MSAP exhibits superior antioxidant properties that depend on its structural characteristics, and this study provides data support for further elucidation of the hypoglycemic mechanism of MSAP.

Integration of Coagulation–flocculation(with Natural Coagulant) to Constructed Wetlands for Color Removal from Tequila Vinasses

The aim of this study was to evaluate a natural coagulant, Moringa oleifera seeds (MOC), to reduce the color concentration in treated tequila vinasses (TVs). TV-A was the effluent of horizontal subsurface flow wetlands (HSSFW); TV-B was the effluent of vertical up-flow wetlands (VUFW); and TV-C was the effluent of vertical down-flow constructed wetlands (VDFW). Raw TVs were also with MOC. Jar tests were performed to find the optimal dose and pH value for apparent color (AC) removal. With the optimal dose and pH for each type of TV, tests were performed in triplicate to evaluate the removal of apparent color (AC), true color (TC), turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and electrical conductivity (EC). For TV-A and TV-B, the optimal values were 1 g/L of MOC and pH 8, and the removals were 52%, 43%, 50% and 72% of AC, turbidity, TC, and TSS, respectively. For TV-C, the optimal values were 2.5 g/L and pH 5, with removals of 66%, 73%, and 98% for AC, TC, and TSS, respectively. For TV-D, the MOC had no coagulant effect in any of the experimental conditions evaluated, probably due to the high concentration of turbidity and TSS in the raw vinasses, which prevented the interaction between MOC and melanoidins. Deeper studies are required to understand and evaluate those factors that influence MOC efficiency so that the coagulation–flocculation process can be optimized.

Optimization of the marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata harvesting by flocculation: Effects on biomass quality and residual medium reuse for a new cycle

ABSTRACT Flocculation using natural plant-based biopolymers from Moringa oleifera seeds and Acacia mearnsii flocculant as Tanfloc® (TSG) has emerged as an efficient strategy for microalgae biomass harvesting. This study optimized the recovery process of Nannochloropsis oculata by varying flocculant concentration, sedimentation time, and culture pH. Results revealed that 1.2 mg.L−1 of TSG at pH 8.9 achieved optimal conditions, although TSG proved effective across different pH ranges. Alkaline flocculation (ALK) also enhanced microalgae harvesting, yielding a high harvesting efficiency (>96%) within 30 minutes of sedimentation. Both methods achieved a concentration factor exceeding 20. However, the use of ALK resulted in reduced lipid and carbohydrate content compared to the control condition. Carotenoid levels showed no significant difference. TSG influenced lipid extraction but not fatty acid quality or carbohydrate extraction. Importantly, the residual medium from TSG flocculation could sustain subsequent cultivation cycles without nutrient supplementation, presenting a cost-effective solution for microalgae cultivation and harvesting.

Exploring Moringa oleifera: Green Solutions for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and Agricultural Advancement

Increasing concerns over water pollution have driven the search for sustainable wastewater treatment alternatives. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two coagulants derived from Moringa oleifera seeds–powder and extract–as sustainable solutions for wastewater reuse in agriculture. Comparative experiments were conducted using aluminum sulfate, a conventional coagulant, at various doses under controlled laboratory conditions. The results demonstrated that both M. oleifera-based coagulants were highly effective, achieving turbidity reductions of 97% and 99%, respectively. Notably, the powder form required lower doses than the extract but had longer sedimentation times. Further detailed analyses at optimized doses (500 mg/500 mL for powder and 12.5 mL/500 mL for extract) met international standards for wastewater quality in agricultural irrigation. Comprehensive analyses encompassing pH, turbidity, COD, BOD5, TSS, DO, conductivity, NO2−, NO3−, SO42−, PO43−, and fecal and total coliforms consistently adhered to stringent criteria, confirming the effectiveness of M. oleifera-derived coagulants. These findings highlight the potential of M. oleifera in wastewater treatment, offering sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and enhancing food security in resource-limited regions. Our research supports the broader adoption of these eco-friendly alternatives, which could significantly reduce water scarcity and promote sustainable agricultural practices, addressing critical environmental concerns.

The effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera seeds on the eyes of diabetic rabbits

The study aimed to induce, diabetes with Alloxan in local. white rabbits, study its effect on eye tissue, and treat it with aqueous extract of Moringa nibbar seeds at a concentration of 200 mg/kg, and observe ,the tissue changes.. After the end of the injection and dosing period after 30 days, the animals were killed and the eye was removed to perform histological techniques on it. 20 white rabbits were taken and divided into three groups: The first group: control group. This group ,was dosed with distilled water, The second group: The group, treated with Alloxan. This group was. injected, with Alloxan intraperitoneally at a dose of 175 mg/kg and, The third group: The group treated, with aqueous extract of moringa seeds at a concentration of 200 mg/kg for 30 days.

Mechanical and Solvent Extraction of Moringa Oleifera Seeds for Vegetable Oil

Moringa oleifera is a plant that is predicted to be a potential source of vegetable oil. Moringa seeds contain 35-40% oil which is used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, automotive and fuel industries. Moringa oil contains oleic, palmitic, and behenic acid which is good for health. Obtaining oil from Moringa seeds in this study used the mechanical pressing method and continued with extraction using a solvent. Mechanical extraction was carried out by pressing Moringa seeds with a moisture content of 8 and 16% w/w. The best result was obtained with a moisture content of 8% with the yield of oil produced from 20 to 31% w/w. The pressing temperature also varied at 80, 100, and 120°C and the best result was given by the temperature of 100°C with the yield of oil produced 27.3-28.8% w/w at 8% moisture content of seeds and 20.9-23.6% w/w at 16% moisture content of seeds. The pressed cake from the mechanical pressing was extracted by maceration method using n-hexane as the solvent. The ratio of the amount of solvent to the amount of pressed cake (mL/gram) was 6/1, 8/1, and 10/1. The best ratio given by 8/1 with the yield oil produced from 8.44-22.82% w/w. Moringa oil was characterized using the standard method. The oil density obtained 0.912-0.919 g/cm3, saponification value 195-202 mgKOH/g oil, acid value 1.62-2.77 mgKOH/g oil, and peroxide value 1.85-3.70 meqO2/kg.

Plant-Based Flocculants as Sustainable Conditioners for Enhanced Sewage Sludge Dewatering

With the aim to establish clean and sustainable sludge treatment, green conditioning using natural flocculants has recently gained a growing interest. In this study, a variety of plant materials, namely Moringa (Moringa oleifera) seeds, Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, Potato (Solanum tuberosum) peels, Aloe (Aloe vera) leaves, Cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) cladodes, and Phragmites (Phragmites australis) stems, were evaluated for their potential bioflocculant activity in conditioning sewage sludge. They were thoroughly characterized to determine their active flocculating compounds. Sludge dewaterability was evaluated by assessing various sludge parameters, including specific resistance to filtration (SRF), dryness of filtration cake (DC), and total suspended solid removal (TSS) from sludge filtrate. The collected results from various physicochemical characterizations of plant materials suggest that the main flocculating agents are carbohydrates in Cactus and Fenugreek and proteins in Moringa, Potato, and Phragmites. Additionally, all tested plant-based flocculants demonstrated effective dewatering performance. Interestingly, compared to the chemical flocculant polyaluminum chloride, Moringa and Cactus showed superior conditioning effects, yielding the lowest SRF values and the highest DC. As a result, the use of these natural flocculants improved sewage sludge filterability, leading to a significant removal of total suspended solids from the filtrate. The conditioning properties of Moringa and Cactus can be attributed to their high protein and sugar content, which facilitates the effective separation of bound water from solids through charge neutralization and bridging mechanisms. Thus, green conditioning using plant-based flocculants, particularly Moringa and Cactus materials, presents a promising and eco-friendly approach to enhance sewage sludge dewatering for safer disposal and valorization.

Acceptability of Moringa oleifera seeds flour supplement-added to normal diet by Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLWHIV) in resource-limited setting

This article aims to assess the acceptability of Moringa oleifera seed supplementation among HIV-positive women in resource-limited settings. The management of HIV/AIDS in resource-constrained settings presents numerous challenges, highlighting the need for affordable supplements to complement standard anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Moringa oleifera, known for its nutritional and medicinal properties, has been noted for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. A descriptive study utilising a Likert-scale survey evaluated participants' familiarity with Moringa oleifera, perceived health benefits, potential risks, ease of dietary integration, and taste acceptability. The findings revealed a generally positive acceptance of Moringa oleifera supplementation, with a mean acceptability score of 2.5750. Notably, 58.2 per cent of participants found the taste palatable, and 72.2 per cent reported ease of incorporation into their daily diet. A significant 90 per cent expressed willingness to use Moringa oleifera if proven effective in suppressing HIV viral load. The study also highlighted the influence of healthcare provider recommendations, with 77.7 per cent of participants more likely to use Moringa oleifera based on professional advice. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera seed supplementation is generally acceptable among People Living with HIV, particularly when supported by healthcare providers. To enhance its use, the study recommends increasing awareness, engaging healthcare professionals, and conducting further research to maximise its potential health benefits for HIV-positive individuals.

Microwave-Assisted vs. Conventional Extraction of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil: Process Optimization and Efficiency Comparison.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave-assisted and conventional extraction using ethanol, hexane, and petroleum ether as solvents, and to optimize the process for extracting oil from Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds, with a focus on improving food-grade oil production. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to enhance the extraction process of the oil. Central composite rotational design (CCRD) was used to analyze the impact of solid-liquid ratio (x1), power (x2), and temperature (x3) on oil yield. The optimization identified the optimal conditions as a solid/liquid ratio of 1:38, power of 175 W, and temperature of 50 °C, achieving a 42% oil yield. Notably, the microwave-assisted extraction reduced the processing time from 8 h (using conventional Soxhlet extraction) to just 1 h. Conventional extraction with hexane and petroleum ether was also performed for comparison, resulting in similar oil content and fatty acid profiles, predominantly, oleic acid. FTIR analysis confirmed that the microwave-extracted oil contained fatty acids and had similar characteristics to the conventionally extracted oil. Thus, the use of ethanol as a green solvent in the microwave has shown significant improvement in terms of time and energy savings compared to the Soxhlet method with toxic solvents. This study concludes that microwave-assisted extraction with ethanol provides a more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and time-saving alternative for food-grade oil production, aligning with advancements in food engineering and production.

Carbohydrate-Binding Mechanism of the Coagulant Lectin from Moringa oleifera Seeds (cMoL) Is Related to the Dimeric Protein Structure

This study characterized the binding mechanisms of the lectin cMoL (from Moringa oleifera seeds) to carbohydrates using spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD). The interaction with carbohydrates was studied by evaluating lectin fluorescence emission after titration with glucose or galactose (2.0–11 mM). The Stern–Volmer constant (Ksv), binding constant (Ka), Gibbs free energy (∆G), and Hill coefficient were calculated. After the urea-induced denaturation of cMoL, evaluations were performed using fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and hemagglutinating activity (HA) evaluations. The MD simulations were performed using the Amber 20 package. The decrease in Ksv revealed that cMoL interacts with carbohydrates via a static mechanism. The cMoL bound carbohydrates spontaneously (ΔG < 0) and presented a Ka on the order of 102, with high selectivity for glucose. Protein–ligand complexes were stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. The Hill parameter (h~2) indicated that the binding occurs through the cMoL dimer. The loss of HA at urea concentrations at which the fluorescence and CD spectra indicated protein monomerization confirmed these results. The MD simulations revealed that glucose bound to the large cavity formed between the monomers. In conclusion, the biotechnological application of cMoL lectin requires specific methods or media to improve its dimeric protein structure.

The Effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera Seed Powder and Mixing Time (Fast-Low Speed) Using Jartest in Reducing Nitrate Levels in River Water

Background:Moringa oleiferais a fast-growing, long-lived plant that blooms throughout the year and can withstand extreme arid conditions. Objective:This study aims to examine the effectiveness of Moringa oleiferaseed powder in reducing nitrate levels in river water. Method:The research method employed in this study involved analysis using the Paired Sample Statistical Test. Result:The statistical test results revealed a significance value of 0.017 (p < 0.05) and a mixing time variation significance of 0.011 (p < 0.05). These values indicate that the null hypothesis (H0: there is no relationship between the independent and dependent variables) is rejected, while the alternative hypothesis (Ha: there is a relationship between the independent and dependent variables) is accepted. This implies a significant difference in the reduction of nitrate levels between the pretest and posttest data, demonstrating that the use of Moringaseed powder is effective in reducing nitrate levels. Conclusion:This study concludes that the administration of Moringaseed powder at a dose of 400 mg/L, with a mixing time of 2 minutes at a fast speed (80 rpm) and 20 minutes at a low speed (40 rpm), is most effective in significantly reducing nitrate levels in river water. Keywords:Moringa oleifera; nitrate levels; river water; Indonesia

Evaluation of Growth Performance and Economic Efficiency of Immature Lohmann Brown Layers Fed Graded Levels of Undeshelled Defatted Moringa oleifera Seed Cake

In a 22-weeks experiment, the impact and economic efficiency of feeding undeshelled defatted Moringa oleifera seed cake (UDMOSC) to Lohmann Brown layer chicks and pullets were investigated. The study had two phases, focusing on chicks (0-8 weeks) and pullets (9-22 weeks). A total of 150-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 15% with Burgazyme inclusion), each replicated three times, and each replicate containing ten (10) birds in a completely randomised design. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the GenStat statistical package (2008). In the initial phase, chicks fed dietary UDMOSC consumed less feed but had similar (p ˃ 0.05) final body weight compared to the control group. Chicks fed the control, and 5% UDMOSC gained more weight with better feed conversion. Chicks fed 10% UDMOSC had higher mortality. In the second phase, pullets fed the control diet and 15% UDMOSC with the enzyme (UDMOSC15E) showed significantly higher (p = 0.01) feed intake. Final body weight and body weight gain were notably higher (p = 0.001) in pullets fed the control diet. Feed conversion ratio and mortality rate did not significantly differ (P ˃ 0.05) among treatments. Dietary UDMOSC reduced feed cost per kilogram of body weight gain for starters and pullets. While dietary UDMOSC did not significantly affect starter growth, it lowered total feed cost per bird for starters and pullets except for UDMOSC15E, accruing 20.54 – 27.81%. and 25.39 – 40.19% percentage profit range, respectively. Dietary UDMOSC depressed the growth of starters and pullets, but it was economically advantageous by reducing the cost per kilogram of body weight gain for both groups. The negative impact of dietary UDMOSC on the growth of starters and pullets suggests that including UDMOSC in the immature layer diets should be cautiously approached for economic gain and, therefore, recommended for the pullet stage at an inclusion level not exceeding 10%.

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF CLOVE AND MORINGA SEEDS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR OILS FOR ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

The current study shows proximate analysis of Syzgium aromaticum (clove) and Moringa oleifera (Moringa) seeds; wherein, carbohydrates, protein, lipids, ash and fibre in clove seeds was 471.38 mg/g.dw, 219.53 mg/g.dw, 217 mg/g.dw, 14.6 mg/g.dw and 21 mg/g.dw while in moringa seeds was 492.32 mg/g.dw, 214.06 mg/g.dw, 114 mg/g.dw, 48.8 mg/g.dw and 20 mg/g.dw respectively. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of Moringa oleifera (moringa) oil revealed presence of 14 different essential fatty acids whereas Syzgium aromaticum (clove) oil revealed presence of 18 different phytocompounds. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that clove and moringa oil have the same total phenolic and total flavonoid levels (TPC and TFC), with higher value of both TPC and TFC in clove oil (24.56 mg/g.dw GE and 6.55 mg/g.dw QE) in comparison to Moringa oil (9.13 mg/g.dw GE and 3.15 mg/g.dw QE). Furthermore, the potent antibacterial as well as antifungal efficacy of both clove oil and moringa oil against E. coli, S. aureus, A. nigerand P. chrysogenum, concluded that clove oil has a greater level of antibacterial and antifungal effectiveness.

In Vitro and In Silico Assessment of Methanol Extract from Moringa oleifera Seeds as α-Amylase Inhibitor

In Vitro and In Silico Assessment of Methanol Extract from Moringa oleifera Seeds as α-Amylase Inhibitor

Sustainable Groundwater Purification: Leveraging Local Materials for Lead, Iron, and Cyanide Removal in Ghanaian Mining Communities

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera seeds and banana peels as natural coagulants for the removal of lead, iron, and cyanide from groundwater in mining-affected communities in Ghana. Experimental laboratory analysis was used to analyze groundwater samples collected from five mining communities in the Atwima-Kwanwoma and Obuasi East districts of the Ashanti Region, Ghana, and treated with Moringa oleifera seeds and banana peels as natural coagulants. The concentrations of E. coli, cyanide, lead, and iron were measured before and after treatment. The study found a 100% removal efficiency for E. coli, cyanide, lead, and iron after treatment with Moringa oleifera seeds and banana peels. These results align with previous studies indicating the efficacy of these natural coagulants in water purification as the Moringa oleifera seeds and banana peels are effective, low-cost natural coagulants for removing contaminants from groundwater in mining communities.

Extraction, Characterization and Evaluation of Health Applications of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil

In this study, the seeds of Moringa oleifera (MO) plant grown in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon were valorized by extracting their oil using mechanical expression. The oil was allowed to clarify through by gravity and an oil yield of 26.07% was obtained. The extracted MO oil was subjected to physicochemical characterization giving the following results; the density of the oil was 0.896 g/mL, a refractive index of 1.468, a viscosity of 49.80± 0.30 mPa.s, an acid value of 2.69%, a peroxide value of 3.7 meq of O2/kg of oil, a saponification value of 189.34 mg of KOH/g of oil and an iodine index of 67.79g/100g of oil. The determination of relevant secondary metabolites by titration revealed a flavonoid content of 0.66 mg GAE/g, total phenol content of 9.7 mg QE/g, carotenoid content of 0.25 mg beta-caro/g and antioxidant activity gave an IC50 concentration of 17.5 mg/mL. Determination of the fatty acid profile revealed that oleic acid (78.45%) makes up the predominant component in the MO seed oil. The chemical composition of the MO seed oil was further verified by IR spectroscopy whose spectral interpretation revealed a predominance of fatty acid moieties in the oil. From these results, it appears that Moringa oleifera seed oil has moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties and therefore the oil is a potent raw material or bioactive substance in the formulation of cosmetic products like creams for body lotion to combat skin infections and the MO seed can find pharmaceutical applications amongst others.

Plant extracts and commercial products for controlling black spot and inducing resistance in rose bushes

Rose is one of the most appreciated flowers in the world; however, fungal diseases can affect its production, decreasing its commercial value. Thus, the objective of this work was to assess the potential of extracts of medicinal plants and commercial products based on plant extracts, plant oils, and potassium phosphite to control black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) in roses by evaluating the activation of plant defense mechanisms. The treatments consisted of using crude aqueous extract (CAE) of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves; CAE of Equisetum arvense stems; CAE of Moringa oleifera seeds; commercial product (CP) based on fermented plant extracts; CP based on potassium phosphite; CP based on plant oils; CP based on citrus mass; and fungicide. Severity of black spot disease, and yield, biometry, chlorophyll contents, and enzyme activity of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase in rose plants were evaluated. The treatments presented no difference from the control (water) for disease incidence and severity and yield. However, the longest stem was found in rose plants in the treatment with potassium phosphite-based commercial product, whereas the thickest stems were found in the three treatments with commercial products. The highest enzyme specific activities of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase were found in plants treated with potassium phosphite, CAE of M. oleifera, and CAE of R. officinalis. The results found showed that the tested natural products did not control black spot in rose bushes, despite their positive effect on plant physiology.

Fatty Acid Profile and Physicochemical Properties of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil Extracted at Different Temperatures.

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a tropical plant native to India. It is widespread throughout the southern hemisphere, with great adaptability to high temperatures and water scarcity. Its seeds have a great amount of oil with a high content of oleic acid, quite similar to olive oil. Therefore, this study is focused on the extraction of oil from moringa seeds via an automatic screw press extractor at different temperatures (70, 100, 130, 160, 190, and 220 °C) and on the analysis of its acidity, acid value, peroxide value (PV), saponification value (SV), iodine value (IV), optical properties, and fatty acids profile. The results showed that the oil yield was 19 ± 3% regardless of the temperature applied. The oil was stable from the oxidative point of view, with a high acidity. Temperature extraction did not significantly affect the SV and the IV. However, the extraction temperature should be below 190 °C to obtain a translucent and luminous oil with light yellow tones. The oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid (ω9) (up to 77.8%) and linolenic acid (ω3) (3.4%). On the other hand, behenic (7%), palmitic (6%), stearic (5%), and arachidic (0.2%) were the dominant saturated acids. The good properties of moringa oil make it a good, sustainable alternative to vegetable oils.

Phytochemical Composition & Bacterial Isolates Associated with Moringa Oleifera Leaves/Seeds

Medicinal plants have posed as natural resources of compounds with pharmacological and nutritional properties aiding humans to prevent and treat diseases. Among several plants evaluated in bio-prospective studies, Moringa oleifera is known to have many names based on its many uses: clarifier tree, horseradish tree, and drumstick tree (referring to the large drumstick-shaped pods) and in East Africa, Moringa is known as mother’s best friend. This study aimed to determine the bacterial isolates and phytochemical components in Moringa oleifera seeds and leaves. The results showed three probable bacterial isolates, which include, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. The bacteria metabolizes some sugars such as glucose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose which could impact the nutritional value of the leaves and seeds when consumed. Through gram staining, it was confirmed that the three isolates are gram-negative organisms as they appear rod-shaped and turned pink. The phytochemical analysis showed that saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, etc are present in both the leaves and seeds. Moringa leaves and seeds contain high amounts of these phytochemical components which are medicinally important because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hyperglycemic activity. The seeds and leaves can be used as a food supplement to increase the nutritional composition of food lacking protein, carbohydrates, and lipids by including them in diets to add to human’s daily nutritional needs