Characterization of Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves using GC-MS Analysis

Abstract

Background: The Evaluation of plants for its bioactive compounds is of great importance to researchers because of their therapeutic properties which can be harnessed to serve as alternatives to antibiotics or the development of novel drugs to fight human infectious diseases. Moringa oleifera is a member of the Moringaceae family with nutritional and medicinal properties. Aim: To identify the bioactive constituents present in Moringa oleifera leaves using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. Methodology: The bioactive compounds were extracted using the Soxhlet method of extraction and was analyzed using Gas chromatography mass-spectrometry. Results: The chromatogram of the GC-MS analysis used to identify the bioactive constituents present in the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves extract showed the presence of seventy-eight compounds. This includes 1H-Indene, 2-pyridinyl–methyl ester (9.82%), Anthracene, 9-(2-propenyl) (6.72%), 2,6- Lutidine 3,5- dichloro-4-dideiylthio (5.67%) and various other compounds which were identified as low level. Conclusions: The GC-MS analysis of Moringa oleifera showed the presence of bioactive compounds. These compounds are of high importance because they can be used in the production of new antimicrobials due to their valuable medicinal and therapeutic properties.