Microwave-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds: An optimization study based on Response Surface Methodology

Moringa oleifera Lam. (MO), commonly known as drumstick tree, is one of Asian multipurpose tree. A few studies have reported the presence of phenolic compounds responsible for antioxidant activity in MO leaves. In this study, microwave-assisted extraction was employed to extract the phenolic compounds. To achieve high yield of total phenolic content (TPC), the extraction process parameters-extraction time, temperature, sample/solvent ratio, solvent composition, and microwave power-were optimized by using response surface methodology. The phenolic profile and antioxidant activities, based on ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, of the extract obtained under the optimum conditions were also evaluated.