VALIDATION OF TRIBAL CLAIMS ON MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM. USING PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Moringa is a medicinally important genus that has long history of traditional use as a remedy to cure wounds and various ailments such as colds, diabetes, digestive problems etc. In addition, the species is consumed as a source of nutritive food and used as vegetables worldwide. The genus consists of 13 species that have been cultivated throughout Asia and Africa for their multiple purpose use value. The current study is aimed to validate the traditional medicinal uses of Moringa oleifera, provide scientific insights on the phytochemistry, biological activities and thereby correlating its therapeutic potential for future prospects. Analysis of phytochemical profile showed the presence of the major important bioactive compounds (saponin, tannin, flavonoids, phenolics, and reducing sugar) that were assessed in aqueous, methanolic aqueous and acetone-aqueous extracts following standard procedures. This study provides the foundation to explore the tribal medicinal use complemented with the scientific evaluation. Our study reinforce further phytochemical study with advanced technologies for future research opportunities of this species as it is an interesting plant containing commercially important active compounds that enable to determine pharmacological significance, and socio-economic potential.