PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES

The present study undertook a systematic, comprehensive pharmacognostical, phytochemical, and pharmacological investigation of Moringa oleifera leaves. The investigation was designed to address identified research gaps pertaining to the standardization, phytochemical characterization, and biological activity evaluation of this pharmacologically significant plant. Pharmacognostical characterization manifest reliable diagnostic markers for authentication of genuine Moringa oleifera leaf material. Physicochemical standardization parameters showed within published reference ranges. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, and glycosides. Total phenolic content (TPC) was highest in the methanol extract (MEMO: 31.6 ± 1.4 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC: 16.4 ± 0.8 mg QE/g). HPTLC fingerprinting of the methanol extract identified quercetin 3-O-glucoside (Rf 0.48), kaempferol glycoside (Rf 0.62), and chlorogenic acid (Rf 0.14) as major marker compounds. Antioxidant activity evaluated by DPPH (IC₅₀: 28.4 ± 2.2 μg/mL), ABTS (IC₅₀: 24.8 ± 1.9 μg/mL), and FRAP (1892.6 ± 94.8 μmol FeSO₄ equiv./g) assays was highest for MEMO. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was most potent for the ethyl acetate extract (EAEMO: albumin denaturation IC₅₀ 41.2 ± 3.4 μg/mL; HRBC membrane stabilization IC₅₀ 44.6 ± 3.8 μg/mL). Antidiabetic enzyme inhibitory activity was strongest for MEMO against both alpha-amylase (IC₅₀: 48.4 ± 3.8 μg/mL) and alpha-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 36.8 ± 2.8 μg/mL). Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was confirmed for MEMO (MIC: 32–256 μg/mL). The study provides a scientific evidence base supporting therapeutic potential of Moringa oleifera in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial applications.