Affiliation:
1. Accra Technical University, Ghana
Abstract
The aim of this study was to apply ultrasound technology to extract bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves. Bringing modern trends of extraction into perspective, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polysaccharides of Moringa leaves (MLP) was established engaging response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental yield of 9.24% of crude polysaccharide was close to the predicted 9.57%. Three graded ethanol precipitation of the UAE polysaccharides with corresponding molecular weights (55,250, 60,330 and 34,260 g/mol) was obtained. Despite similar Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy among fractions there was different molar ratios of monosaccharides composition and different surface morphology under scanning electron microscopy. All fractions were not of helical structures as demonstrated by the Congo red assay. MLP precipitated at 80% was more viscous (Gʹʹ loss modulus) and had the highest radical scavenging ability, thus can prevent damage of biomolecules. The polysaccharides extract obtained may be incorporated in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.