COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ATTRIBUTE OF THE YOUNG AND THE MATURE LEAVES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA

Abdulwaliyu* I., ArekemaseS.O., Shittu K.J and Aribido O.

ABSTRACT

The young and the mature leaves of Moringa oleifera were examined for variation in the phytochemical constituents as well as the antimicrobial efficacy of the plant leaves extract. Results obtained from the phytochemical analysis revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in the contents of tannin and flavonoids respectively. However, no significant difference (P≤0.05) unveils in the contents of alkaloids. The antimicrobial analysis revealed that the mature leaves of this plant were more sensitive to the growth of the micro-organism, tested. Findings from this study deduced that the older the plant leaves of Moringa oleifera, the higher the phytochemicals, and the better the antimicrobial efficacy.

Keywords: Young leaves, mature leaves, Moringa oleifera, phytochemicals, and antimicrobial.