Author(s):

Okumu MO, Mbaria JM, Kanja LW, Gakuya DW, Kiama SG and Ochola FO

Abstract: The present investigation evaluated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of leaves of Moringa oleifera cultivated in Kibwezi Kenya and extracted using different solvent systems. Qualitative screening of the leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins and ascorbic acid. Leaves extracted with aqueous-methanol had significantly higher (p<0.05) antioxidant capacity than those extracted using water only. The total phenolic contents of the water and aqueous-methanol extracts was 35.42 ± 5.80 and 52.04 ± 3.12 mg.GAE.g^-1 respectively and the total flavonoid content was 79.13 ± 13.04 and 366.09 ± 86.96 mg. CE. g-1 respectively while the ascorbic acid content was 2.02 ± 0.66 and 3.04 ± 2.06 mg. AAE.g^-1 respectively. Thus, the results suggest that the aqueous-methanol extract had higher quantities of antioxidant components.

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