In Vitro Antibacterial, Phytochemical and Molecular Characterization of Moringa oleifera Lam.

ABSTRACT: Moringa oleifera Lam. popularly called as "miracle tree" is a fast-growing deciduous plant, originated in the Indian subcontinent and is commonly grown in tropical regions. Its extraordinary nutritional profile and a deluge of therapeutic benefits have attracted considerable attention worldwide. The leaves, in particular, are good source of calcium, potassium, proteins and vitamins A, C and E, making them an essential dietary supplement, especially in regions facing food insecurity. The leaves are also rich in antioxidants, including chlorogenic acid, quercetin and beta-carotene, which protect against oxidative stress and cellular damages. This study is an attempt to screen the plant extracts of M. oleifera for its antibacterial activity, qualitative phytochemical constituents and molecular characterization. The results indicate that crude and powdered fresh leaves extract showed no antibacterial activity whereas cold, hot and ethanol extracts, prepared from fresh and dried leaves of M. oleifera showed varying antibacterial properties. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, carboxylic acids, coumarins, phenols, quinones, resins, phlobatannins, diterpenes and terpenoids. The study demonstrated efficient antibacterial action against human pathogens which can be attributed to the various phytochemicals present in this plant. To understand the genetic diversity exist in M. oleifera populations, matK and ITS regions were sequenced in five accessions collected from different parts of South Kerala. Five SNPs were detected in the ITS loci and no SNPs were detected in matK loci. Pairwise genetic distance were calculated based on ITS sequences and maximum genetic distance was found between Chengannur and Ochira accessions (0.006) whereas, minimum genetic distance was noted between Chengannur to Kallumala (0.001) and Thiruvananthapuram (0.001). Genetic distance data was subjected to cluster analysis using UPGMA dendrogram. Five accessions were entered into two distinct clusters. Accessions from Chennithala and Ochira were clustered together in one node with a bootstrap support of 98% whereas, the other three accessions, Chengannur, Kallumala and Thiruvananthapuram were clustered together with a boot strap support of 80%. Clustering pattern revealed the genetic structure exist in M. oleifera accessions studied.