Phytochemicals and Acute Toxicity of Moringa oleifera Roots in Mice

The phytochemicals used by plants to protect themselves against predators in Moringa oleifera roots
were qualitatively identified in the aqueous and ethanol extracts. Its acute toxicity in 24 h was
evaluated in Swiss albino mice. M. oleifera, a native plant of the sub-Himalayan tracts of India,
Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is used in folk medicine. It is claimed to have nutritional,
medicinal, socio-economic and industrial values. Many individuals and families consume the roots for
their medicinal properties. Despite wide use the roots, the phytochemicals and toxicity profile are not
well documented. This study set out to determine the phytochemicals and acute toxicity of M. oleifera
roots in mice. The roots were harvested during dry season and air dried. Serial extractions using
ether, ethanol and water were done. The harvested phytochemicals were qualitatively identified using
standard chemicals procedures. The phytochemicals identified were: Gallic tannins, catechol tennins,
steroids and triterponoids, saponins, anthraquinones, alkaloids, and reducing sugars. Acute toxicity
was determined by giving a single oral dose to Swiss albino mice and observed for 24 h. The LD50
was calculated using the probit tables. The LD50 of ethanol extract was 17.8 g/kg and that of aqueous
extract was 15.9 g/kg. In conclusion, M. oleifera roots contain protective phytochemicals and are
relatively non-toxic when given in a single dose.