Proximate Analysis and Nutritional Content of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Collected From Horticultural Garden in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Moringa is a medium-sized growing tree that can reach 30 feet in height. Malnutrition is a great concern to human health. It occurs as a result of poor intake of food nutrients. Previous research has indicated that adding Moringa oleifera to animal feed can improve growth, blood chemistry, antibacterial activity, immune enhancer, antioxidant activity, and hypo-cholesterol effect. For this reason, this paper aimed to proximately analyze and determine the nutritional content of Moringa oleifera leaves taken from a horticultural garden in Gwagawlada, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria, using suitable standard methods. The nutritional contents of M. oliefera leaves were evaluated and the proximate composition shows that the moisture content recorded for the M. oleifera was 13.67%, the protein content was 28.50% while the fiber content of the three treatments recorded was 3.00%, the ash content recorded was 9.33% and the carbohydrate content was noticeably greater than other nutrient contents of the M. oleifera leaves being 56.50%. However, since M. oleifera is a cheap source of nutrients, it can serve as food supplementation, fortification, and complementation (especially in infant feed). Also, Moringa oleifera leaves can be utilized as a dietary supplement to boost cattle performance and efficiency of fodder or can be substituted for traditional crops for economic sustainability, environmentally friendly, safer, and low-cost production.