Phytochemical, Proximate, Mineral Composition and Antioxidant Property of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal from Two Different Locations in Ghana

Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) was analyzed in triplicate to determine proximate, mineral, energy, phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential. Data was analysed using STATISTIX 9.0. and means separated by least significant difference at 5 %. Dry matter (9.50 - 9.77 %), crude protein (27.42 - 27.72 %), crude fat (4.55 - 4.65 %), crude fibre (10.37 - 10.56 %), ash (12.98 - 13.39 %), carbohydrate (34.21 - 34.74 %) and gross energy (17.77 - 17.82 MJ/kg) were recorded. Minerals determined were Ca (655.93 - 656.31 mg/kg), Fe (70.21 - 71.60 mg/kg), K (257.72 - 266.58 mg/kg), Mg (69.74 - 73.49 mg/kg), Mn (12.32 - 12.64 mg/kg), P (586.31 - 597.69 mg/kg) and Zn (16.68 - 16.75 mg/kg). Alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, sterols, tannins and terpenoids were detected. Quantitative analysis gave alkaloids (2.60 - 2.70 %), flavonoids (27.01 - 28.00 mgCE/mg), saponnins (1.54 - 1.57 %), tannins (49.26 - 49.76 mgTAE/g), total phenols (106.42 - 106.44 mg/g), oxalate (1.10 - 1.42 mg/g) and phytates (11.51 - 11.72 mg/g). Higher scavenging ability of MOLM of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl than vitamin C make MOLM a suitable natural antioxidant. MOLM has adequate amounts of crude protein, minerals and energy, useful phytochemicals and high antioxidant potential.