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Vol 1 | Issue 1 | Apr - Jun 2022                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 26  

Original Article 

Evaluate the Effectiveness of Phytochemical, Physicochemical and Mineral 

Analysis of Moringa oleifera (Drum Stick Leaves)  

Santhadani Lenin1, Sujatha Ramasamy1, Deivasigamani Revathy1  

From, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, N.K.R Govt. Arts College for Women, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India  

Correspondence to: Santhadani Lenin, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, N.K.R Govt. Arts College for Women, Namakkal, India. 

Email: alphaomegabiovision@gmail.com   

ABSTRACT 

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) is one of the most adaptable plants in the world. M. Oleifera is used in nature to treat a variety of 

diseases and is now available without a prescription in the form of an herbal infusion. They are thought to cure a variety of ailments in 

the native medicine system. The presence or absence of such plant synthesized primary and secondary metabolites determines the values 

of food and medicine. The aim of this analysis was to assess the phytochemical elements, physicochemical properties, and nutritional 

values of dried M. Oleifera leaf powder using a qualitative test. M. Oleiferais used medicinally due to the presence of active 

phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, hormones, phenols, and carbohydrates. Ash (6.18%) , Moisture (70.27%), 

Fiber (20.26%), Carbohydrates (40.40%), Protein (27.73%), Fat (2.24%), Tannin (22.16%) , Phytates (0.37g/100g), Vitamin C (0.86 

mg/g), Beta-carotene (18.21 mg/100g), and Folic Acid (0.95 mg/100g) are among the physicochemical properties studied.Mineral 

research that may be involved has been examined, and its wide-ranging activities have been held responsible. Moringa leaves have been 

shown to be a good source of dietary nutraceuticals as well as essential characteristics for potential nutritional and technological 

applications  

Key words: Moringa oleifera Lam, Phyochemical, Physiochemical, Mineral, Dietary nutaceutical 

erbal and organic drugs have a wide variety of 

chemical compositions. This can be so extreme that it 

can result in therapy failure or poisoning, so it's 

understandable that different samples of the same natural 

substance will have drastically different reactions. M. Oleiferais 

a type of vegetable shrub that grows to a height of 5–15 metres 

and has a 30 cm diameter soft and brittle stem [1]. Moringa 

leaves are round, pinnately tripled, and small round or oval in 

shape. The fruit is long and angular, with triangle-shaped sides; 

the drumsticks are 15–45 cm long and contain about 20 seeds 

[1]. Moringa thrives in moist tropics or hot, dry climates, and 

can thrive in less fertile soils. It is also droughtresistant [2]. 

Moringa is a tropical and subtropical plant that originated on the 

Indian subcontinent and has since spread throughout the world.  

Plant sections that function as cardiac and circulatory 

stimulants include leaves, roots, seeds, barks, fruits, flowers, 

and immature pods. They also have antipyretic, antiepileptic, 

anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcerative properties [3]. Other 

important plant properties include antispasmodic [4], diuretic 

[5], antihypertensive [6], cholesterol reduction [7], antioxidant, 

anti-diabetic, hepato-protective [8], antibacterial and antifungal 

[9]. Phytochemicals are chemical compounds found naturally in 

plants. They are caused by the plant's colour and organoleptic 

properties [10]. Chemicals that may have biological 

significance but are not known as important plant nutrients are 

often referred to as it. While phytochemicals are available as a 

dietary supplement, the potential health benefits of 

phytochemicals are derived from the ingestion of the entire 

plant [11]. Natural ingredients, either as pure compounds or as 

standardized plant extracts, have limitless possibilities for new 

medicines [12].  

Some are responsible for colour and other organoleptic 

effects, such as the deep purple of blueberries and the odour of 

garlic [13]. Chemicals that may have biological significance 

(e.g., antioxidants) but are not defined as essential nutrients are 

commonly referred to as "essential nutrients" [14]. Appropriate 

methodologies for accurate diagnosis, standardization, and 

quality assurance of herbal drugs are critical for the future 

development of herbal drug pharmacognosis [15]. Verifying the 

origin of a drug, evaluating its worth and purity, and 

determining the nature of adulteration are all part of the drug 

evaluation process. Phytonutrients found in naturally grown 

herbs and plants are extremely beneficial to our bodies and 

overall health. The most common and useful phytonutrients are 

natural minerals (such as zinc, iron, calcium, copper, and other 

elements) and vitamins (such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, PP, and 

others) [16]. The aim of this study was to see the effectiveness 

of the phytochemical, physicochemical, and mineral analysis of 

M. oleifera.  

H 



Lenin et al.                                                                                                                     Effectiveness of Drum Stick Leaves  

Vol 1 | Issue 1 | Apr - Jun 2022                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 27  

MATERIALS AND METHODS  

Sample Collection and Processing: The plant came from the 

Erode District. Indoors, the plant was air-dried and powdered 

with a mortar and pestle. For further research, the powdered 

sample was placed in an airtight jar.  

Phytochemical Screening: Normal techniques were used to 

conduct preliminary phytochemical investigations for 

secondary metabolites on a powdered sample of M. Oleifera 

leaves [17] [18]. Alkaloids, flavonoids, hormones, terpenoids, 

anthroquinones, phenols, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, oils, 

and resins were among the metabolites examined. Analysis 

includes complete Ash value [19], Moisture content [20], Fiber 

[18], Total Carbohydrate [21], Proteins [22] [23], Fat [24], 

Tannin [25], Phytates [26], Vitamin C [27]. The normal method 

was used to evaluate Iron Forms (II) and (III) (Vogel, 1961).  

Mineral Analysis: The mineral analysis was carried out, 

according to [23]. To avoid detergent absorption, the glassware 

and polyethylene containers used for examination were washed 

with tap water, then soaked in 6N HNO3 solution overnight and 

rinsed with ultrapure water several times. Precisely weighted 

(2.0 g) crop specimens were moved to a silica crucible and ashed 

for 3 hours at 450 C in a muffle furnace, followed by the 

application of 5 mL of 6 M HCl to the crucible. The acid 

solution containing the crucible was then digested on a hot plate 

to obtain a clean solution. In 0.1 M HNO3 solution, the final 

residue was dissolved and made up to 50 mL. Flame and 

graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometers are used 

to examine the plant specimens (AA 6300, Shimadzo, Japan). 

Metal content has been determined using an airacetylene burn. 

In flame mode, the instrument was operated under the following 

conditions: acetylene 1.8 L/min, air 15 L/min, inert argon gas 

flow and temperature parameters, as defined by the 

manufacturer. The absorption wavelength is given for 

determining the material, along with its linear working range 

and correlation coefficient of calibration graphs. The standard 

deviation value from triplicate measurements is used to round 

off the results.  

RESULT AND DISCUSSION 

The sample yielded significant diagnostic characters that could 

be useful in assessing the validity and detecting crude drug 

adulteration. Herbal medicine is thought to have been used to 

cure many illnesses in the history of human medicine. Herbal 

drugs have the advantage of having fewer side effects over time 

and being safe to use. They are also less expensive and more 

readily available than formulated medications [28]. The dried 

flower of M. Oleifera L was analyzed for phytochemicals, 

physicochemicals, and minerals.  

Phytochemical Analysis: The qualitative phytochemical study 

of M. Oleifera leaves was carried out. Active phytochemicals 

such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenols and 

carbohydrates. These active phytoconstituents are present in 

aqueous extract of M. Oleifera. The presence of alkaloid shows 

cream color precipitate, flavonoids show reddish-brown colour 

precipitate, steroids show green colour formation, phenols show 

deep blue to black colour formation and carbohydrates show 

blue colour precipitate.  

Preliminary qualitative screening is helpful in detecting 

bioactive concepts and could lead to drug development and 

manufacturing [29]. Alkaloids are plant compounds that act as 

repellents for predators and insects. Alkaloids have been shown 

to have microbiocidal properties, and their key anti-diarrheal 

activity is likely due to their effects on the small intestine, as 

well as anti-hypertensive properties [30]. Several alkaloids are 

effective in the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS-related 

intestinal infections [12] (Table 1)  

Table 1 - Phytochemical Analysis of M. Oleifera leave  

Phytochemicals  Observations  Extracts  

Distilled  

Water  

Alkaloids Mayer’s 

test  

Wagner’s test  

Cream colour  Reddish 

brown solution/ 

precipitate  

Present  

Flavonoids  
Lead acetate test  

H2SO4 test  

Yellow orange  

Reddish brown / Orange 

colour precipitate  

Present  

Steroids  
 LiebermannBurchard 

test  

Violet to blue or Green 

colour formation  

Present  

Terpenoids 

Salkowski test  

Reddish brown 

precipitate  

Absent  

Arthroquinone  
Borntrager’s test  

Pink colour   Absent  

Phenols  
Ferric chloride test  

Lead acetate test  

Deep blue to Black 

colour formation  

White precipitate  

Present  

Saponin  Stable persistent  Absent  

Tannin  Brownish green / Blue 

black  

Absent  

Carbohydrates  Yellow/brownish /blue 

/green color  

Present  

Oils & Resins  Filter paper method  Absent  

Flavonoids are powerful water-soluble antioxidants and free 

radical scavengers that protect cells from oxidative damage and 

have anti-cancer properties [31]. Flavonoids, which contain 

hydroxyl groups, are thought to be responsible for the radical 

scavenging effects of most plants. Phytochemicals such as 

tannins, saponins, and steroid-glycosides were found to be in 

relatively low concentrations. Tannins may be a good way to 

help your kidneys [19]. Tannins have also been shown to have 

antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic properties [10]. As an 

adjuvant, saponins are used in the production of vaccines.  

Physicochemical Analysis: The importance of physicochemical 

research is that it aids in the identification of different 

constituents or groups of constituents that often lead to the 



Lenin et al.                                                                                                                     Effectiveness of Drum Stick Leaves  

Vol 1 | Issue 1 | Apr - Jun 2022                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 28  

discovery of a connection between structure-activity and the 

drug's probable mechanism of action. The physicochemical 

analysis revealed that M. oleifera leaf powder was 

manufactured to a high purity level and of good quality, as 

determined by the WHO [32].  

Ash (6.18 percent), moisture (70.27%), fiber (20.26%), 

carbohydrates (40.40 %), protein (27.73%), fat (2.24%), tannin 

(22.16%), phytates (0.37g/100g), vitamin C (0.86 mg/g), 

betacarotene (18.21 mg/100g), and folic acid (0.95 mg/100g) 

are all examined as a consequence of the physicochemical 

evaluation is investigated. In order to detect adulterants and 

improper drug handling, it is important to decide the 

physicochemical parameter. Since mineral matter can cause a 

pharmacological effect [33], ash values are important 

quantitative standards [34]. They are also a criterion for 

evaluating the identity and purity of crude drugs, particularly in 

the form of powder [35]. In addition to lowering cholesterol and 

triglycerides, dietary fibres protect against cancer and digestive 

disorders. More information regarding a crude drug's total ash 

also represents the care taken in preserving products, as well as 

the purity of both crude and prepared drugs [35].  

Determination of iron forms: Iron is needed for the 

development of hemoglobin, the normal functioning of the 

central nervous system, and the oxidation of starch, protein, and 

fat. The amount of iron in both dried and fresh leaves is 

determined. Fresh leaves have a ferrous content of 2.57 0.02 and 

a ferric content of 1.23 ± 0.03. In dry leaves, ferrous is 2.09 ± 

0.04 and ferric is 0.96 ± 0.02. In comparison to both, the test 

iron form for fresh leaves is higher. Iron is essential for haemo-

poiesis, infection control, and cell-mediated immunity [36].  

Mineral Analysis: Mineral elements are essential for the proper 

functioning of all cells because they serve as structural tissue 

components, as well as components of body fluid and vital 

enzymes in major metabolic pathways. Heavy metal 

contamination of medicinal plant materials can cause chronic or 

acute poisoning. As a result, it has become important to ensure 

the heavy metal content of all starting materials, as well as other 

inorganic elements that are needed. The presence of heavy 

metals was determined using elemental analysis, and the results 

for M. Oleifera leaf powder in ppm are Iron (Fe) - 0.548, Copper 

(Cu) - 0.075, Manganese (Mn) - 0.038, Zinc (Zn) - 0.138, Nickel 

(Ni) - 0.133, Cobalt (Co) - 0.547, Lead (Pb) - 0.486, Aluminum 

(Al) - 1.984, Vanadium (V) - 1.096, Chromium (Cr) - 0.048, 

Molybdenum (Mo) - 0.137, Mercury (Hg) - 0.145, Arsenic (As) 

- 0.052, Cadmium (Cd) - 0.098.The most common nutritional 

deficiency has been described as iron deficiency anemia, which 

is estimated to affect more than one billion people worldwide 

[37]. Reduced work capacity, behavioural and cognitive 

function impairments, and decreased infection tolerance are all 

consequences of iron deficiency [27]. It's also essential for cell 

growth and repair, bone development, and kidney function 

(Table 2). 

Table 2 - Mineral Analysis for M. Oleifera leaves  

Elements analyzed Quantity (in ppm) 

Iron (Fe) 0.548 

Copper (Cu) 0.075 

Manganese (Mn) 0.038 

Zinc (Zn) 0.138 

Nickel (Ni) 0.133 

Cobalt (Co) 0.547 

Lead (Pb) 0.486 

Aluminum (Al) 1.984 

Vanadium (V) 1.096 

Chromium (Cr) 0.048 

Molybdenum (Mo) 0.137 

Mercury (Hg) 0.145 

Arsenic (As) 0.052 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.098 

This is essential for maintaining the body's acidalkaline 

balance [38]. Minerals such as cadmium, nickel, and lead are 

thought to be found in trace quantities. Cadmium and lead in 

high concentrations are unsuitable for bodywork and 

unappealing. The study lays the groundwork for further 

isolation and characterization of the bioactive constituents 

present in the leaves of this plant, thanks to its therapeutic 

properties. Magnesium is a part of chlorophyll and is an 

important mineral element in the treatment of ischemic heart 

disease and bone calcium metabolism [39]. Zinc is a part of 

more than 50 enzymes in the body that play a role in immune 

system function [40]. An estimated 20% of the world's 

population is at risk of insufficient zinc intake [41].  

CONCLUSION  

The presence of phytochemicals, physico-chemicals, minerals 

and iron forms in leaves has been demonstrated in this research, 

which supports both their nutritional and ethno-medicinal 

benefits for human health. Alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, 

steroids and carbohydrates were present in high concentrations 

in M. Oleifera leaves. The leaves still had a good amount of Ash, 

Moisture, Fiber, Carbohydrates, Protein, Fat, Tannin, Phytates, 

Vitamin C, Betacarotene and Folic Acid. In Moringa oleifera 

leaves have a high nutritional value and are high in the mineral 

portion needed for good health. The sample's physicochemical 

characters were analyzed for standardization so that future 

research could be conducted on samples that were found to be 

equivalent based on these characters, ensuring the sample's 

scientific analysis.  

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Vol 1 | Issue 1 | Apr - Jun 2022                                                                                       Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 29  

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How to cite this article: Lenin S, Ramasamy S, Revathy 

D. Evaluate the Effectiveness of Phytochemical, 

Physicochemical and Mineral Analysis of Moringa oleifera 

(Drum Stick Leaves). Indian J Pharm Drug Stud. 2022; 

1(1): 26-29. 

Funding: None;               Conflict of Interest: None Stated 

 

 

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