Introduction Moringa oleifera, commonly known as the drumstick tree, is a highly nutritious plant widely recognised for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. Numerous studies have investigated its proximate and phytochemical composition, highlighting its potential as a functional food and therapeutic agent. The medicinal value of Moringa oleifera is due to the presence of bioactive components called phytochemicals. Several studies have identified various bioactive compounds in Moringa oleifera leaves, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids (Verma, Vijayakumar, Mathela, & Rao, 2010). These compounds contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Saini et al. (2016) reported that flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol are abundant in Moringa leaves, playing a crucial role in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. The proximate and phytochemical analyses of Moringa oleifera leaves confirm their high nutritional and medicinal value. Their rich protein, mineral, and fiber content makes them an excellent dietary supplement, while their diverse phytochemicals contribute to their therapeutic effects. This study confirms its nutritional composition by exploring its proximate and phytochemical composition. Materials and methods Sample collection and preparation; extraction of Moringa oleifera leaf; phytochemical screening and proximate analysis. Results and discussion Phytochemical Screening Phytochemical Constituents A B A(mg/g) B(mg/g) Saponin + + 7.32 6.79 Tannins + + 6.31 4.83 Phenols + + 11.02 10.64 Flavonoids + + 4.19 4.98 C.Glycosides + + 4.50 5.09 Alkaloids + + 5.13 7.41 Anthtaquinone _ _ _ _ Steroids + + 5.11 6.19 Terpenoids _ _ _ _ Proximate analysis of aqueous and methanol Moringa oleifera leaf extracts Proximate Constituents A (%) B (%) Moisture 8.0 ± 0.47 7.46 ± 0.40 Lipids 10.89 ± 0.30 5.03 ± 0.07 Ash 7.28 ± 0.18 7.03 ± 0.29 Fibre 5.33 ± 0.62 6.17 ± 0.07 Protein 25.97 ± 0.26 24.20 ± 0.37 Carbohydrate 42.90 ± 0.87 49.40 ± 0.89 A =Aqueous extract, B= Methanol extract Conclusions Considering the obtained results, it confirms that M. oleifera leaves generally possess a high dietary composition. M. oleifera leaves are simple to acquired and beneficial for both dietary and health purposes. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, phytochemicals, proximate
Oluwakeyede O.M, Odeyemi B.A