PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY OF THE AUTHENTICITY OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES

Moringa oleifera is widely used in Asia and Africa as an anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and cold agent. However, there are no Moringa medicines on the Russian pharmaceutical market; therefore, it is of interest for research as a promising source of raw materials and introduction to the State Pharmacopoeia of Russian Federation. This study was conducted to compare the characteristics of the authenticity of leaves from different regions. Moringa whole leaf from India and powder from Namibia were studied using macroscopic, microscopic, and qualitative chemical analysis. The results showed that there are both similarities and differences of characters depending on the area of ​​collection of raw materials. A quantitative assessment of diagnostic signs was carried out; for the first time, trichomes and druses, as well as stomata. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and saponins in both samples. It was established that the studied samples corresponded to pharmacopoeial requirements for authenticity indicators. A relatively larger number of calcium oxalate druses was found in the Indian raw materials. The obtained new data on the quantitative assessment of micro diagnostic signs will be used to standardize the authentic Moringa oleifera raw materials to improve regulatory documentation, ensure the quality and safe use of drugs on the pharmaceutical market.