Altitudinal influence on survival mechanisms, nutritional composition, and antimicrobial activity of Moringa Peregrina in the summer climate of Fujairah, UAE

Extreme environments significantly impact the metabolic profiles of plants, leading to variations in chemical composition and bioactivity. This study investigates the effects of altitude, plant part age, and light exposure on the chemical composition and antimicrobial properties of Moringa peregrina. Based on our results, mineral contents were plant location dependent; while dry matter, ash, total digestible nutrients (TDN), fibre, protein, and tannins, were greater in the samples from the mountain. Vitamin E was more concentrated in the wadi. Vitamin A, selenium, phenols, and heavy metals were undetectable in both environments. Antimicrobial assays revealed stronger activity in mountain samples than the other locations. Age-dependent analyses showed that nitrogen, protein, ash, and electrolyte leakage were higher in young plant parts, whereas chlorophyll a and b levels were elevated in mature leaves and younger branches, particularly in lower elevations. Interestingly, young leaves from mountain regions had higher chlorophyll concentrations compared to mature leaves, contrasting with trends at other elevations. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) measurements were also highest in the mountain region. These findings suggest that M. peregrina employs diverse metabolic adaptations for survival in challenging environments, potentially offering socioeconomic value to indigenous communities through its bioactive properties.