Solvent-driven metabolite profiling and its correlation with antioxidant and lipase inhibitory activities in Murraya paniculata leaves

Murraya paniculata L. is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its wide range of pharmacological properties. This study investigated the metabolite profiles and biological activities of M. paniculata leaf extracts obtained using ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water as solvents. Metabolite identification was performed using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS, revealing 61 compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenes, and amino acids. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via the DPPH method, yielding IC50 values of 678.84, 391.29, and 839.08 µg/mL for ethanol, 50% ethanol, and water extracts, respectively. Lipase inhibitory activity showed highest inhibition in the water extract (59.32%), followed by 50% ethanol (45.05%) and ethanol (36.37%). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated six metabolites negatively correlated with antioxidant activity and twelve positively correlated with lipase inhibition. The dual association of 4-aminobenzoic acid with both activities underlines its pharmacological significance. These findings demonstrate the impact of solvent type on metabolite composition and biological efficacy, providing insight into the bioactive potential of M. paniculata.