Nutritional and Medicinal Constituents of Moringa oleifera Leaves: A Plant Consumed Highly in the Sub-Saharan African Region

Introduction: The Moringa oleifera (MO) plant, commonly referred to as the 'miracle tree,' is known by various names. In English, it is called the Drumstick tree or Horseradish plant. Locally in Nigeria, it is known as Zogale in Hausa, Okwe oyibo in Igbo, Ewe Ile in Yoruba, and Gawara in Fulani. The uses of MO leaf extract in controlling high blood pressure and as a food supplement with high nutritional value have been documented scientifically. Some studies have also shown that dosages appear to be safe from tested toxicity but a relative increase such as 3-4 times the recommended doses is known to cause genotoxic damage. However, there is a paucity of human evidence of the potency of MO presently, most studies use animal models such as rats and ethanol extract.

Objective: The study aims to assess the Nutritional and Medicinal values of MO determining its acute toxicity lethal and sublethal doses (LD50) and its phytochemical constituents in our locality where consumption is very high using Swiss albino mice.

Methods: The ethanol extraction method was used to obtain the concentrates of 100 g, and thirty (30) adult mice (30–40g) were used for Acute Toxicity (LD50). Phytochemical Qualitative and Quantitative analyses, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer were carried out to determine the major Bio-Nutrients, Identification of Phytocomponents and Minerals and Vitamins constitution respectively.

Results: The results showed that LD50 of 3900 mg/kg induced death in mice. Piloerection amongst others and weight gain were observed in sublethal doses. Carbohydrates (36.6%), Calcium, Phenol, Ascorbic acid, and Methyl Octadecenoate (30%) recorded the highest constituents.

Conclusion: It is safe to consume MO in the right doses for body nourishment and health promotion. The consumption of MO may alleviate malnutrition and other related diseases, and dried leaves as a food supplement since it has a low genotoxic effect when an appropriate dose or quantity is taken. Future studies are necessary to move from animal models to human trials and to improve the preparation of the extract from raw crude to a more refined and palatable form for easy human consumption.