Phytochemical Screening and Proximate Analysis of Moringa oleifera Leaves Harvested in Kano State

Moringa oleifera, commonly referred to as the drumstick tree, has attracted considerable scientific attention owing to its remarkable nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite widespread cultivation across northern Nigeria, systematic phytochemical and proximate characterisation of specimens harvested specifically from Kano State remains limited in the published literature. This study was designed to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical screening and proximate analysis of fresh Moringa oleifera leaves collected from three farming communities in Kano Municipal Local Government Area. Standard analytical procedures were used for both qualitative phytochemical screening and quantitative proximate analysis. The phytochemical tests assessed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Proximate parameters including moisture content, crude protein, crude fibre, crude fat, total ash, and nitrogen-free extract were determined using AOAC methods. Results indicated the presence of all tested phytochemical classes, with flavonoids and alkaloids recorded in notably high amounts. Proximate analysis revealed a crude protein content of 26.4 percent on a dry-weight basis, substantially higher than many common leafy vegetables used in northern Nigerian cuisine. Total ash content was 9.8 percent, suggesting a rich mineral composition. Moisture content averaged 75.3 percent in fresh leaves. These findings support the nutritional and medicinal value of Moringa oleifera and reinforce the case for its incorporation into nutritional intervention programmes targeting food insecurity in Kano State. Further research on mineral profiling and bioavailability studies is recommended.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, Kano State, nutritional composition