Abstract:
Moringa oleifera (Lam) is a small tree, medium-sized about 10m high, perennial softwood tree with
timber of low quality pantropical species. Moringa oleifera (Lam) is the most widely cultivated species
of a monogenetic family, the Moringaceae that is native to the sub-Himalayan tracts of India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Afghanistan, it also now naturalizes in West Africa and Nigeria as a whole. Survey was
conducted among two (2) traditional medical practitioners at the three selected locations. In all, 6
traditional medical practitioners were questioned using an interview guide with eight questions. The
ethnobotanical survey revealed that various plant parts can be used to relief various sickness (Malaria,
Fever, Stomach pain etc.) with the leaves (40) being the most frequently used part. Phytochemical
analysis of most used part of the plant were carried out which revealed the presence of major classes of
secondary metabolites, namely; saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenols, glycosides and flavonoids. Further
research should be carried out to extract the active component in Moringa oleifera which will serve as a
potential medicine for the phytotherapeutic arsenal.
