Phytochemical and Antifungal Efficacy of Different Parts of Moringa oleifera Plant Extracts

Antifungal potential of Moringa oleifera and the determined Phyto-consituents of its parts in different solvents has shown its prowess economically. Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) seed, leaf and stem bark were evaluated for antifungal efficacy and phytochemical constituents. Phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera and its antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus flavus was investigated using poison food technique method. Result of the phytochemical screening exposed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing sugar, saponins and cardiac glycosides. Reducing sugar and steroids were present in all the extract; cardiac glycoside was present in all the extract except stem bark extracts. The antifungal assay result shows that M. oleifera leaf ethanol leaf extract exhibited broad spectrum activity against the test organism. The physical characteristics of the Moringa is an express indication of the presence of acidic compounds which could importantly serve as a natural preservative of fruits. Studies can be carried out on the isolation, purification, and characterization for further expository of the active ingredients.