Determination of Heavy Metals, Aflatoxins, Microbial Loads and Pesticides Residue in Sehjana (Moringa Oleifera Lam) Fruits/Pods

Abstract

Safety study of herbal drugs and food item is now mandatory as per WHO guidelines, to prevent the toxicity due to the material found in the soil and the environment. It includes determination of aflatoxin, heavy metal, pesticidal residue, microbial load. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate safety parameter in Sehjana (Moringa oleifera Lam) Fruits powder, a very common drug used in Unani and Ayurvedic system of medicine for its cardiac and circulatory stimulant, and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effect used in acute rheumatism, Asthma, gout, paralysis. Study reveals the presence of microbial loads, and heavy metals, lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic within permissible limit as per WHO guidelines, while aflatoxins, pesticides was found to be absent in the crude drug sample, indicating that the drug is free from toxicity.

Effect of Soaking Process on Chemical Characteristics and Anti Nutritional Factors of some Moringa Seed Varieties

“…Many parts of the plant show pharmacological properties, recognized by the scientific community. An extensive literature survey on Moringa suggested that Ancient Egyptians used Moringa oil because of its cosmetic value, which helps in human skin preparation Khan, et al (2017). Moringa seeds have therapeutic characteristics increase the health benefits and the pharmacological potentials including: antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, antihypertensive, antiinflammatory and cardio-protective properties Abdulwaliyu et al (2019); and Dzuvor et al (2021).…”