Evaluation of Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents with Antioxidant Activity in Moringa oleifera Parts: A DPPH and CUPRAC Spectrophotometric Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65761/jbs.2026.41Keywords:
Moringa oleifera; Phenolic compounds; Flavonoids; DPPH; CUPRACAbstract
Background: Moringa oleifera contains diverse phenolic and flavonoid compounds that may contribute to its antioxidant properties. However, phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity can vary according to plant part and extraction solvent.
This study evaluated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity of M. oleifera leaves, twigs, and stems using different extraction solvents.
Methods: Plant materials were sequentially extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. TPC and TFC were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and CUPRAC assays. Quercetin was identified and quantified by TLC-densitometry. Correlation, Principal Component Analysis, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis were also performed.
Results: The highest TPC was found in the ethanol leaf extract (52.272 ± 3.821 mg GAE/g), while the highest TFC was observed in the n-hexane leaf extract (60.200 ± 0.908 mg QE/g). The ethanol leaf extract showed the highest DPPH activity (68.749 ± 9.638 mg AEAC/g), whereas the ethyl acetate twig extract exhibited the highest CUPRAC activity (76.760 ± 0.865 mg AEAC/g). Quercetin was detected in the ethanol leaf extract at 1.558 ± 0.378 mg/g.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that M. oleifera leaves and twigs are valuable sources of phenolic and flavonoid compounds with considerable antioxidant potential. Extraction solvent and plant part significantly influenced phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity.
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