PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES AND SEEDS

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the proximate constituents and antioxidant properties of Moringa oleifera leaves and seeds. The methanolic extracts of the seeds and leaves of Moringa oleifera were screened for moisture content, ash, crude protein, dry matter, crude fat, fibre, nitrogen, and carbohydrate using AOAC standard methods. The antioxidant activities of the plant extracts were assessed by evaluating their radical scavenging activities and reducing properties following standard procedures. The results showed that Moringa oleifera seeds contain higher levels of protein (38.17%), nitrogen (10.04%), fat (5.27%), dry matter (88.08%), while the leaves had a greater concentration of moisture content (13.42%), carbohydrates (54.39%), ash (10.50%), and fibre (3.76%). In contrast, the antioxidant analysis revealed significantly higher activity in the leaves across all tested parameters TPC (7.18µgGAE /mg), TFC (3.68µg quercetin/mg), DPPH (9.80µg/mg), FRAP (3.19µg/mg), ABTS (6.02µg/mg), OH (3.21µg/mg). These findings demonstrate the nutritional richness and strong antioxidant potential of Moringa oleifera, particularly in its leaves, highlighting its relevance for food, feed, and therapeutic applications in combating malnutrition and oxidative stress.