Bioactive Compounds Extraction From Moringa oleifera Leaves: A Comparative Study of Vacuum-Assisted and Bed-Stirred...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Extraction Technology

Background:

• Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Efficient extraction is crucial for preserving the stability and yield of these sensitive molecules.
• Conventional methods can lead to degradation due to heat and oxidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and optimize vacuum-assisted extraction (VAE) for bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves.
• To compare the efficiency of VAE with bed-stirred extraction (BSE).
• To assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts obtained via different methods.

Main Methods:

• Hydroethanolic solvent extraction using VAE and BSE techniques.
• Design of Experiments (DOE) for process optimization, identifying optimal solid-solvent ratio and ethanol concentration.
• Quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid content, vitamin content, and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS assays).
• Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity using a lipoxygenase inhibition assay.

Main Results:

• VAE significantly increased total phenolic (37%) and flavonoid (48%) recovery compared to BSE.
• VAE yielded four times more vitamin content than BSE.
• VAE extracts showed significantly higher antioxidant activity, with IC50 values up to 75% lower than BSE extracts.
• VAE extracts demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 52 ± 1 µg/mL).

Conclusions:

• VAE is a superior extraction method for maximizing the yield and bioactivity of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and vitamins from Moringa oleifera leaves.
• The vacuum conditions in VAE protect bioactive compounds from oxidative degradation, enhancing their efficacy.
• VAE extracts possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them valuable for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.