Impact of Ultrasound Extraction Parameters on the Antioxidant Properties of Moringa Oleifera Leaves

Abstract

Recently, much interest has been focused on Moringa oleifera L., a highly versatile and sustainable plant. In addition to its nutritional properties, numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in M. oleifera leaves, for which healthy properties have been reported. In the present research, the impact of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the recovery of the bioactive compounds from leaves was investigated. Firstly, an experimental design approach has been used to highlight the influence of some extraction parameters (solvent, solvent/dry leaves ratio, temperature, time) on phenol compound recovery and antioxidant activity. Solvent composition was the most influential factor; in fact, the presence of water in the solvent (50:50, v/v) corresponded to an increase in the extraction performance. The liquid/solid ratio (L/S) also influenced the extraction process; in fact, the total phenol content reached 13.4 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry matter (DM) in the following UAE conditions: 50% water, 60:1 L/S ratio, 60 °C, 60 min. In order to quantify flavonols, hydroalcoholic extracts were analysed by HPLC-DAD (high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector). In the flavonol class, the glycosidic forms of quercetin and kaempferol were mainly detected. Their content ranged from 216.4 µg/g DM of quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside to 293.9 µg/g DM of quercetin 3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucoside. In summary, the leaves of M. oleifera are a potential natural source of bioactive compounds, proving to be very promising for the development of health-promoting food supplements.

Optimizing the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of antioxidants from Ulva lactuca algal biomass using factorial design

“…The extraction of bioactive compounds from different biomass types is nowadays of rising interest to researchers in their attempt to find natural alternatives to chemical compounds, especially those used in food and pharmaceuticals. Extraction is critical in the recovery of phytochemicals from plant matrix and biomasses [1,2]. Several sorts of extraction techniques are found: maceration, supercritical fluid extraction, percolation, microwave-assisted extraction, soxhlet extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) [1].…”

“…Extraction is critical in the recovery of phytochemicals from plant matrix and biomasses [1,2]. Several sorts of extraction techniques are found: maceration, supercritical fluid extraction, percolation, microwave-assisted extraction, soxhlet extraction, and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) [1].…”

“…Compared to the conventional extraction techniques, the extraction assisted by UAE is an efficient method because it can reduce the working time and use of solvents, simplify its operation and work-up, and yield a final product with high quality [1,2]. In addition, UAE can be performed at low temperatures, which reduces the heat loss caused by high temperatures and prevents the preservation of biologically active substances [1][2][3].…”

Effect of Feeding Lactating Ewes with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Preweaning Performance of Ewe/Lamb Pair

“…Recently, interest focused on Moringa oleifera (MO), a highly versatile and sustainable tree mostly cultivated in the tropics and subtropics [ 12 ]. MO is very useful as a feed supplement for animals [ 10 , 13 , 14 ] and is an important source of protein (up to 35% of dry matter, DM) and fibre (up to 28% DM) [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…MO is very useful as a feed supplement for animals [ 10 , 13 , 14 ] and is an important source of protein (up to 35% of dry matter, DM) and fibre (up to 28% DM) [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. In addition to its nutritional properties, MO leaves are sources of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, phenolic acids and flavonoids, and are available at relatively low cost in resource-limited areas, making it a promising source of bioactive compounds for functional food production and nutraceutical product development [ 12 , 14 ].…”