Microwave assisted extraction of moringa oleifera leaves and their phytochemical analysis

Plants have been used for a long time for their bioactive constituents which have medicinal properties. Phytochemicals like flavanoids, phenolic constituents, alkaloids, tannins etc are considered to be responsible for increasing the immunity of any individual. Moringa oliefera is one of the richest source of phytochemicals and is abundantly used in south India. This study is based on microwave assisted extraction method using two different solvents, methanol and chloroform. Dried leaves of Moringa oliefera were suspended in methanol and chloroform and exposed to microwave radiation (800W). The extract was filtered and dried using rotavapour. The crude extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis. Microwave assisted extraction of leaves in methanol showed the presence of proteins, flavanoids and glycosides in more quantity as compared to Chloroform extract. More phytochemicals in methanol can be attributed to its polar nature which disrupts the bonding and helps in dissolution of the phytochemicals.