Chemical Composition and Oxidative Properties of Moringa Peregrina Dried-Ground Parts Extracted with Different Solvents

Abstract

Background: Moringa species contain extremely high level of antioxidant and low levels of anti-nutritional compounds distributed between different parts of the plant. Objective: The present study examined the chemical composition, total energy, and oxidative properties of several solvent extracts of Moringa peregrina (MP) seeds, bark, and leaves dried-ground. Methods: The chemical composition, total energy, and mineral content of the MP parts were all determined. The total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts were also measured. Results: The chemical composition differed between parts, with seeds having considerably (p ≤ 0.05) high levels of protein (19.4%), fat (32.23%), and ash (2.90%). The bark was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in carbohydrates (76.1%) than the other parts. The leaves had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher levels of Na, Mg, K, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Se.  However, the seeds are rich in P and Cu, whereas the bark is rich in calcium. The solvents' efficacy in extracting phenolics and flavonoids from the three parts varied substantially, with aqueous methanol ranking first and the leaves having larger amounts than the other parts. The antioxidant activity was examined using the DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP tests. Leaves had stronger antioxidant activity than other parts. Furthermore, antioxidant activity was strongly associated with total phenolics and flavonoids. Conclusion: In general, extracts made with aqueous organic solvents produced more total phenolics and flavonoids and had higher antioxidant activity, with leaves demonstrating superior antioxidant properties compared to other parts.