Seasonality Effect on Minerals and Phytochemicals Composition of Cymbopogon Citratus and Moringa Oleifera Leaves

Abstract

Phytochemical quality and quantity; and minerals varied in plants with respect to seasons. This study investigates the level of the secondary metabolites and minerals in Cymbopogon citratus and Moringa oleifera in dry and wet season. Phytochemical and minerals screening revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides and K, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn respectively  in both Cymbopogon citratus and Moringa oleifera. Moringa oleifera show higher quantity of phytochemicals compare to that of Cymbopogon citratus in both wet and dry seasons. Phytochemical content detected in both Cymbopogon citratus and Moringa oleifera samples follow this order: Cymbopogon citratus; Phenolics>Flavonoids>Alkaloids>Tannins>Glycosides, Moringa oleifera; Phenolics>Flavonoids>Alkaloids>Tannins>Glycosides and mineral contents in both Cymbopogon citratus and Moringa oleifera are in the increasing order: K>Ca>Na>Fe>Zn. The number of phytochemicals and minerals in Cymbopogon citratus and Moringa oleifera are slightly higher during rainy season.