LC-ESI-MS profiling and antioxidant activity assessment of Moringa oleifera leaf powder

Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants find diverse uses in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Moringa oleifera, a Himalayan-native resilient species, provides remarkable nutritional and medicinal value. This study evaluates antioxidant potential using DPPH assay and profiles phytochemicals in leaf powder via LC-ESI-MS. Mature leaves collected from West Bengal, India, were shade-dried, methanol-extracted, and analysed with a XEVO G2-XS QT of system. A total of 67 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and glycosides were identified, with key molecules like Rutin, Naringenin and Malvidin showing high relative intensities (≥ 99%). Notably, 30 previously unreported phytochemicals were detected within the 25–100% relative intensity range. The extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 0.5295 mg/mL, outperforming earlier studies. The presence of diverse metabolites, including glycosylated and iso-flavonoids, highlights the therapeutic relevance of M. oleifera leaf powder. These findings enhance knowledge and support its use in functional foods and therapeutic products.