Antioxidants and Phytochemical Analysis of Drumstick Leaves (Moringa oleifera)
Drumstick Leaves (Moringa oleifera) are one of the most useful tropical plants. It leaves a valuable source of nutrition for people of all ages. Nutritional analysis indicates that Drumstick leaves contain essential, disease-preventing nutrients. This research was aimed at analyzing phytochemical and non-enzymic antioxidants in Drumstick Leaves. Methods: The photochemical analysis of the leaves was done through phytochemical screening and the non-enzymic antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid in Drumstick leaves was analyzed using Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS) and Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Drumstick Leaves analysis showed the presence of phytochemicals; alkaloids, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, anthocyanosides, and flavonoids. Ascorbic acid in Drumstick leaves was analyzed and the absorbance of the ascorbic acid increased with the increase in the polarity index of solvents. Water extract having the highest polarity had the highest mass of ascorbic acid extraction of 0.07344g/10g which was closer to the working standard of 0.1M. In addition, 0.04411g/10g and 0.03131g/10g for methanol and chloroform extract. Whereas, petroleum ether and hexane had the lowest polarity hence masses of 0.02292g/10g and 0.02276g/10g were analyzed, which were closer. This research work conclusively demonstrates that M. oleifera is a good source of various phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, saponins, anthraquinones, anthocyanosides, and flavonoids.