PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, TRACE ELEMENTS CONTENT, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF Moringa oleifera LEAVES CULTIVATED IN JOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, trace elements content, and the antimicrobial activity of Moringa oleifera leaves cultivated in Jos, Nigeria. The plant leaves were harvested directly from the farm, taken to the laboratory and extracted via maceration with 80% methanol after thorough washing under running water. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the plant leaves was carried out, trace metal content was determined in triplicates using AAS, and antimicrobial activity was done to determine its activity on S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. pneumoniae and E. coli organisms. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed high concentrations of flavonoids and carbohydrates (+++), moderate levels of tannins and alkaloids (++), low levels of steroidal terpenes and cardiac glycosides (+), while saponins and anthraquinones were absent. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition against S. aureus (23.5 mm at 500 mg/mL), B. subtilis (25.5 mm at 500 mg/mL), and E. coli (21 mm at 500 mg/mL), but showed no activity against S. pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 250 mg/mL for S. aureus and B. subtilis, and 31.25 mg/mL for E. coli. Elemental analysis detected iron (23.16 mg/kg), sodium (193.75 mg/kg), calcium (28.76 mg/kg), and zinc (31.14 mg/kg) within recommended dietary ranges, with no toxic metals detected. The study finally suggests further studies on this plant using different solvents and methods to explore other parts of the plant in order to ascertain and utilize the potential bioactive components of the plant.