Elucidation of Free Radical Scavenging and Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous and Hydro-Ethanolic Extracts of Moringa oleifera Pods

Abstract

The important role of dietary antioxidants maintaining the integrity of living organisms is gaining ever increasing recognition. The oxidative stress induced due to ROS can be attenuated by diets containing vegetables having ability to scavenge ROS. Moringa oleifera grown and used in many countries around the world is a multi-purpose tree with medicinal, nutritional and socio-economic values. Moringa oleifera possess highly therapeutic values, so its consumption in regular diet could possibly reduce the risk of degenerative diseases. The aim of present study is to investigate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant activities of pods of Moringa oleifera against free radicals using specific in vitro standard procedures. Hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts were capable of scavenging peroxyl and superoxyl radicals. Similar scavenging activities for different solvent extracts of each collection were found for the stable 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and other ROS. Our findings revealed that there is a good correlation between the free radicals activity, MOEE and MOAE. Phytochemicals present included: tannins, steroids and triterpenoids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, alkaloids and reducing sugars. Presence of phytochemicals in the extracts indicated possible preventive and curative property of M. oleifera leaves.