Moringa oleifera, an important medicinal plant is one of the most widely cultivated species of the family Moringaceae. It is highly valued from time immemorial because of its vast medicinal properties. The present study provides all necessary information regarding of four parts such as flower, leaves, seed and pulp of moringa like biochemical, phytochemical, mineral, antibacterial activity and its nutritional value. The benefits of essential nutrients and minerals for maintaining good health were also highlighted in this study.
The results of proximate analysis of Moringa oleifera revealed that the protein (9.37%), carbohydrate (7.33%), ascorbic acid (2.10%) and total soluble sugar (0.73%) were highest in flower as compared to leaves, seed and pulp. While free amino acid (9.84%) was found to be higher in seed, total phenol (0.29%) was higher in leaves and reducing sugar (0.43%) higher in pulp of the moringa. The result of qualitative analysis of amino acid represented that lysine, glycine, threonine, valine, Isoleucine, tryptophan, alanine and cystein were present in moringa. The flower also contained higher amounts of crude fibre (0.23%) as well as moisture (90.56%), while fat (15.53%) content was found higher in seed. The dry matter (30.40%) and total ash (2.12%) content were higher in leaves. The ash content represented minerals in different amounts. The higher amount of potassium was found in flower (50.9%), seed (40.7%) and pulp (77.00%). Leaves contained higher amount of Calcium (57.18%). However Aluminum (10.00%) and Magnesium (6.07%) were found only in leaves. The result of heavy metal (zinc, lead and cadmium) and analysis represented that flower, leaves, seed and pulp have zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) found in lower amount then permissible limit for human body.
The results of phytochemical analysis showed that terpenoids and steroids were present in all parts of moringa. Alkaloids present only in seed. Flavonoid was present in flower and seed, saponins was present in leaves, and tannin was present in leaves and seed.
The result of antibacterial activity of different types of sample (flower, leaves. seed and pulp) of moringa showed that salmonella typhii was effectively inhibited to all the extracts studied. But Escherichia coli were not inhibited by any extract. Methanolic extract of flower, leaves, seed and pulp were highly sensitive against the salmonella typhii bacteria
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I –Introduction
CHATER II -Review and Literature
2.1 History of MoringaOleifera
2.2 Moringa Species
2.3 Classification MoringaOleifera
2.4 Common Name of Moringa Oleifera
2.5 Morphology and Physical Characteristics
2.6Distribution
2.7 Cultivation
2.8 Chemical Composition
2.9Biochemical Parameter
2.10 Photochemistry
2.11 Antibacterial Activity
2.12 Minerals
2.13 Use of Moringaoleifera
CHAPTER-III MATERIAL AND METHOD
3.1 Experimental site
3.2 Experimental material
3.3 Glass wares and polywares
3.4 Chemicals and solvents
3.5 Biochemical parameter
3.6 Determination of phytochemicals
3.7 To record qualitative analysis of amino acid by TLC
3.8To assay antibacterial activity of differentextract of moringa
3.9 To find out mineral composition of different parts of moringa using XRF
3.10 Estimation of sodium by flame photometer
3.11 To study heavy metal in different parts of moringa using VA
CHAPTER-IV RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Biochemical parameter
4.2 Phytochemicals analysis
4.3 To record qualitative analysis of amino acid by TLC
4.4 To Assay antibacterial activity of different extract of moringa oleifera
4.5To find out mineral composition of different parts of moringa using XRF
4.6 Estimation of sodium by Flame Photometer
4.7 To study heavy metal in different parts of moringa using VA
Research Objectives and Topics
This research aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of Moringa oleifera to evaluate its nutritional and medicinal potential. The primary research focus involves the characterization of various plant parts (flower, leaves, seed, and pulp) through biochemical, phytochemical, and mineral analysis, as well as testing for antibacterial efficacy.
- Biochemical parameter assessment of various Moringa oleifera parts.
- Phytochemical investigation to determine present secondary metabolites.
- Qualitative amino acid analysis using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).
- Evaluation of antibacterial activity against selected pathogens.
- Determination of mineral composition and heavy metal content using XRF and Voltammetric trace analysis (VA).
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 HISTORY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA
The plant Moringa Oleifera was first time described in Northern India, where it was described around 2000 B.C. as a medicinal herb. The oral tradition of Ayurvedic medicine in India declared that moringa prevents more than 300 diseases.
Moringa oil was also found in ancient Egyptian culture as protection for their skin from the ravages of desert weather. Later, the Greeks found many healthful uses for moringa and introduced it to the Romans. From this time it was well known. A plantation was starting.
This well traveled plant has been carried to all the tropical parts of the world, where it readily takes root. It is commonly used for food, for medicinal purposes and clarifying water. It spread eastward from India to the lower parts of China, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. From India it also spread westward to Egypt, Africa, around the Mediterranean, and finally to West Indies in America.
Moringa has also been receiving increasing attention from food processing industries. According to the Global Facilitation Unit, 2008, African companies manufacturing cereals were interested in adding moringa leaf powder to enrich their products with a low cost, local source of vitamins and minerals.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER I –Introduction: Provides an overview of Moringa oleifera, its botanical classification, distribution, and traditional medicinal uses.
CHATER II -Review and Literature: Examines existing academic research concerning the history, morphology, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties of Moringa oleifera.
CHAPTER-III MATERIAL AND METHOD: Details the experimental procedures, including sample preparation, biochemical estimations, phytochemical screening, TLC protocols, antibacterial assays, and mineral analysis methods.
CHAPTER-IV RESULT AND DISCUSSION: Presents the gathered data and empirical findings regarding the biochemical, phytochemical, and mineral analysis of different plant parts, including discussions on antibacterial activity and heavy metal presence.
Keywords
Moringa oleifera, phytochemicals, biochemical parameters, antibacterial activity, X-ray fluorescence, amino acid analysis, thin layer chromatography, minerals, heavy metals, nutritional value, medicinal plants, protein, terpenoids, flavonoids, proximate analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The study focuses on the neutraceutical, phytochemical, and antibacterial evaluation of the medicinal plant Moringa oleifera.
Which specific areas of the plant are analyzed?
The investigation covers four specific parts of the plant: flowers, leaves, seeds, and pulp.
What is the primary objective of the study?
The objective is to estimate biochemical parameters, determine phytochemical composition, record amino acid profiles, assay antibacterial activities, and perform mineral and heavy metal analyses.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The study utilizes several analytical techniques including Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, Flame Photometry, and Voltammetric trace analysis (VA).
What constitutes the main body of the research?
The main body involves detailed experimental procedures and the subsequent results and discussion regarding the nutrient composition and pharmacological potential of the plant extracts.
What are the key descriptors for this work?
The study is characterized by keywords such as Moringa oleifera, nutritional value, medicinal potential, and biochemical characterization.
What was found regarding the antibacterial activity?
The study found that methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera were highly sensitive against Salmonella typhii, whereas Escherichia coli was not inhibited by the extracts tested.
What were the results of the mineral analysis?
The analysis revealed that potassium was the most abundant mineral across all parts, and the concentration of heavy metals (zinc, lead, cadmium) remained below the permissible limits for human consumption.
- Quote paper
- Taslimahemad Khatri (Author), Pragna L. Mori (Author), Dr. Vijay R. Ram (Author), Dr. Pragnesh N. Dave (Author), Dr. Balubhai A. Golakia (Author), 2012, Neutraceutical, Phytochemical characterization and Antibacterial activity of Medicinal plant Moringa Oleifera, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/279200
