The application of micrographic parameters in the quality control of Moringa oleifera leaf

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), commonly known as „drumstick tree“ or „horse radish tree“ is native to north India but is now found throughout the tropics. Leaves of this high medicinal value plant have been reported to have antihypercholesterolemic action [1] and those with other risk factor, such as hypertension [2] or diabetes mellitus [3]. Reports have also described the plant to be highly potent anti-inflammatory agent, antitumour activity and hepatoprotective against antitubercular drugs such as isoniazid and rifampicin [4]. Many uses for leaves include: biogas, green manure, domestic cleaning agent, biopesticide and it is particularly useful as a human food [5]. Our work aims to set M. oleifera leaf botanical identification parameters to the whole, fragmentized and powdered plant material by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. The most useful micrographic parameters observed on the leaf are: A bilateral organization with 1–2 cell layers of palisade tissue on the upper epidermis and spongy parenchyma with a small intercellular space volume on the lower epidermis; a surface showing a slightly sinuous cuticle in both epidermises; anomocytic stomata with an irregular distribution, surrounded by 4 to 6 subsidiary cells; calcium oxalate cluster crystals on the palisade parenchyma; gland canals in the parenchyma central veins; unicellular non-glandular trichomes scarce. The powdered material is characterized by the presence of fragments containing the above-named structures. Results of this study will be very useful in the identification of this medicinal and edible plant as raw material for use by the pharmaceutical and alimentary industry.