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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Assessment of seasonal variation in the mineral elemental composition of Moringa oleifera and Murraya koenigii leaves
Authors
Aju B Y, Rajalakshmi R, Mini S
Abstract
Moringa oleifera
and Murraya koenigii are two medicinal plants used by the south Indians
in their day today life. Moringa oleifera leaves are used as vegetable
and Murraya koenigii leaves as spicy leaves to garnish dishes. There is
a traditional belief that Moringa oleifera leaves are not recommended
during the month of August (Karkkidaka). But there are no scientific data are
available behind this belief. The present study is to explore the scientific
reason behind the traditional belief. The objective of the present study is to
determine the nutritional quality of leaves of Moringa oleifera and Murraya
koenigii for emphasizing mineral element concentrations in different
seasons. Soil analysis and weather data analysis was carried out to assess the
mineral elemental variation in the leaves. The present study revealed that most
of the mineral elements including heavy metals were found to be accumulated in
the leaves of Moringa oleifera during the month of August. Soil and
weather data substantiate the mineral elemental variation in these two plants.
Most of the minerals were accumulated in the leaves of Moringa oleifera in
the post monsoon season (August) compared to Murraya koenigii. So it is
essentially required to check for contaminant load before processing it for
further pharmaceutical purposes or for local human consumption.
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Pages:156-165
How to cite this article:
Aju B Y, Rajalakshmi R, Mini S "Assessment of seasonal variation in the mineral elemental composition of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> and <i>Murraya koenigii</i> leaves". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 156-165
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