Extraction of bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves using different organic solvents

Abstract

Flavonoid and phenolic contents present in plant leaves play a vital role in different therapeutic applications. They are also known as the most obstinate groups of plant phenolic (bioactive compounds). The leaves of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) contain different bioactive constituents that are valuable for remedial purposes. This study aimed to quantitatively identify and assess bioactive compounds in M. oleifera leaves extract that were discovered from different crude solvents using a maceration method. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and Aluminum chloride methods, respectively. It was noticed that by using the maceration method, 58% percentage yield was recorded in the methanolic leaves extract. The TPC (3.57±0.12 mg GAE/g) and TFC (10.83±2.73 mg QE/g) results showed, the methanolic leaves extract has attained significant maximum concentration of phenolic bioactive compounds (p=0.05) in comparison to the ethanol and acetone leaves extract. Two important tangible aspects that have influenced the quantified results of bioactive compounds in this study were the selection of its characterization and extraction methods. Therefore, it can be concluded that methanol is a suitable solvent choice for the extraction of bioactive compounds from M. oleifera leaves.