A study was undertaken to assess variation in antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of thirteen Moringa oleifera cultivars obtained from different locations across the globe. Standard antioxidant methods including the DPPH scavenging, ferric reducing power (FRAP) and β-carotene-linoleic acid model were used to evaluate the activity. Variation in the antioxidant activity was observed, with TOT4951 from Thailand being the most active, with activity five times higher than that of ascorbic acid (reference compound). A different trend was observed for the activity in the FRAP and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) strains using the microdilution method. Acetone extracts of all cultivars exhibited good antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae (MIC values of 0.78 mg/mL). The remaining extracts exhibited weak activity against the two microorganisms. For the antifungal activity, all the extracts exhibited low activity. Variations were observed in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Cultivars TOT5169 (Thailand) and SH (South Africa) exhibited highest amounts of total phenolic compounds while TOT5028 (Thailand) exhibited the lowest amounts of five times lower than the highest. The information offer an understanding on variations between cultivars from different geographical locations and is important in the search for antioxidant supplementation and anti-ageing products.

Moringa oleifera, renowned for its medicinal potency, was investigated to discern the impact of varying storage temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C) and light conditions (dark and light) on the quality attributes of its leaf powder during a 12-month storage period. The study encompassed comprehensive analyses of phytochemical levels, nutritional properties, microbial contamination, and colour changes in response to these diverse storage environments. The lightness L* colour value changed significantly (40 to 60) from baseline tests when stored at 40 °C in transparent packaging. Results highlighted distinct variations in phytochemical composition and nutritional content based on the interplay between temperature and light conditions. Lower temperatures, particularly 4 °C, in both dark and light environments, demonstrated superior preservation of bioactive compounds, with mean values for quercetin-3-rutinoside of 3.34 µg/g and 3.19 µg/g, respectively; both are significantly higher compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). This trend was also observed for rutin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin. Conversely, higher temperatures (25 °C, 40 °C) coupled with light exposure hastened degradation, notably impacting phytochemical stability. Microbial proliferation was evident in elevated temperatures, indicating potential safety risks. Further observations unveiled significant colour changes within the leaf powder, notably influenced by storage temperatures and light exposure. Lower temperatures exhibited diminished colour alterations compared to higher temperatures, underscoring their impact on product quality. This study underscores the critical role of controlled storage conditions, especially cooler temperatures and reduced light exposure, in maintaining the potency and quality of M. oleifera leaf powder. Recommendations advocate for stringent temperature control (preferably 4 °C) and light shielding during storage to uphold phytochemical stability and mitigate microbial proliferation. While this study provides valuable insights into temperature-mediated alterations, future research avenues should delve deeper into elucidating the underlying mechanisms of colour changes and long-term temperature effects on phytochemical and nutritional integrity.

Moringa oleifera, renowned for its medicinal potency, was investigated to discern the impact of varying storage temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 40°C) and light conditions (dark and light) on the quality attributes of its leaf powder during a 12-month storage period. The study encompassed comprehensive analyses of phytochemical levels, nutritional properties, microbial contamination, and colour changes in response to these diverse storage environments. Results highlighted distinct variations in phytochemical composition and nutritional content based on the interplay between temperature and light conditions. Lower temperatures, particularly 4°C, in both dark and light environments, demonstrated superior preservation of bioactive compounds and nutritional value. Conversely, higher temperatures (25°C, 40°C) coupled with light exposure hastened degradation, notably impacting phytochemical stability. Microbial proliferation was evident in elevated temperatures, indicating potential safety risks. Further observations unveiled significant colour changes within the leaf powder, notably influenced by storage temperatures and light exposure. Lower temperatures exhibited diminished colour alterations compared to higher temperatures, underscoring their impact on product quality. The study underscores the critical role of controlled storage conditions, especially cooler temperatures and reduced light exposure, in maintaining the potency and quality of M. oleifera leaf powder. Recommendations advocate for stringent temperature control (preferably 4°C) and light shielding during storage to uphold phytochemical stability and mitigate microbial proliferation. While this study provides valuable insights into temperature-mediated alterations, future research avenues should delve deeper into elucidating the underlying mechanisms of colour changes and long-term temperature effects on phytochemical and nutritional integrity.