Phytochemicals and uses of Moringa oleifera leaves in humans and animals in Sokoto

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a native plant of many countries in the world used for its medicinal, nutitional and economical benefits. In Nigeria, the leaves are sold either fresh or cooked as food and/or medicine. The phytochemicals present in Moringa oleifera leaves extracts belonging to the family Moringaceae was determined using serial extraction, with methanol, ethanol and water as solvent. The phytochemicals present were identified using standard chemicals and result interpretation, while the uses of this leaves in humans and animals were investigated with the use of questionnaire. The phytochemicals that were present in the leaves included: tannins, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and alkaloids. Nine (9) medicinal uses of Moringa leaves were determined in animals and fifteen (15) medicinal uses of Moringa oleifera leaves in humans were established. The Presence of phytochemicals in the extracts suggests possible preventive and curative property of Moringa oleifera leaves in humans and animals.