Comparative studies on the phytochemical content and proximate composition of different parts of moringa oleifera plant grown in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a well-known versatile multipurpose tree used for medicine and as vegetable to bridge the protein gap and energy demand of many communities in Africa. This study examined and compared the phytochemical contents and proximate composition of different parts of this plant, using standard analytical methods. Results obtained from this study on the phytochemical contents of M. oleifera revealed that there was presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycoside, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and tannins in different proportions inall the plant parts investigated. The levels of alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins were highest in the leaf (0.33%, 26.29mgQE/g and 2.83 mgTAE/g, respectively), followed by the stem bark (0.22%, 20.41mgQE/g and 0.84 mgTAE/g, respectively) which also had the highest total phenol content (10.20 mgTAE/g). Surprisingly, the seed had almost the lowest level of these secondary metabolites, while the root and flower have them in moderate proportions. The protein contents of the seed (34.48%), flower (30.08%), leaf (28.32%), stem bark (23.11%) and root (17.50%) were above 12%, they are therefore, good sources of protein. M. oleifera leaf seemed to have the highest medicinal attributes as reflected in the appreciable level of phytochemicals found in it. Hence, the wide spread use of the leaf for medicinal purpose. However, the seed and flower contained higher amount of the nutrients investigated, thus they can be included in diets to supplement foods lacking protein, carbohydrates and lipids to meet the human's daily nutritional needs. Moreover, all the M. oleifera plant parts could be good supplements for animal feeds.