Formulation and Evaluation of Moringa Oleifera (Drumstick) Leaf Churna

Moringa oleifera Lam., commonly known as Drumstick, belongs to the family Moringaceae and is widely regarded as one of the most nutritionally dense plants on earth. The present study was undertaken to formulate and evaluate a traditional Ayurvedic herbal powder preparation, Churna, using dried and powdered Moringa oleifera leaves. The leaves were collected, authenticated, processed through standardised drying and sieving protocols, and then subjected to pharmacognostical, physicochemical, and preliminary phytochemical investigations. The formulation were prepared with varying excipient ratios. Organoleptic parameters including colour, odour, taste, and texture were evaluated. Physicochemical parameters such as loss on drying, ash values (total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble ash), extractive values, swelling index, foaming index, and pH were determined as per standard protocols outlined in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API). Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and proteins. The micromeritic properties — bulk density, tapped density, Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, and angle of repose — indicated satisfactory flow properties. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar disc diffusion method. The study establishes standardisation parameters for Moringa oleifera Churna and confirms its therapeutic potential as a nutraceutical herbal formulation.