none 10.31254/phyto.2026.15115 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 193274964 316921 20260414011811989 10.31254 2026-04-14T01:18:17Z 2026-04-14T01:18:16Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://phytopharmajournal.com/ 3 30 2026 15 1 Abby E. Bennett Plants for Human Health, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6228-5275 Franchesca Urbie-Rheinbolt Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA Tanner Sciara Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA Chishimba Nathan Mowa Department of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Ana G. Méndez Gurabo, Puerto Rico, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7167-8108 Jennifer Perry Cecile Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2149-2222 Background: Known for its nutrient-rich content, the Moringa oleifera (MO) plant is prevalent in Africa and India. MO has significant anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, making it a useful nutraceutical. Objective: To examine similarities and differences in fresh and aged MO leaf extracts phytochemical profiles. Materials and Methods: We used ethanolic plant leaf extracts from North American and Central American harvests (100% or 80% ethanol with 20% water) and analyzed total phenolic content, absorbance, and fluorescence profiles. We also performed capillary electrophoresis separations and collected liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry data. Furthermore, we examined mass spectral data from ethanolic extracts of both fresh and aged plant leaves. Results: Fresh aqueous ethanolic (80%) leaf extracts led to greater total phenolic content, greater absorbance and fluorescence signal, and more abundance in electropherograms by capillary electrophoresis with absorbance detection. Aged leaf extracts produced varied results. Thirteen phytochemicals were determined by LC-MS (isoamyl nitrite, ethosuximide M5, trolamine, octopamine (p-hydroxyphenylethanolamine), veratric acid, 6-methoxy-2-naphthylacetic acid, racepinephrine, pyridoxine, chlorogenic acid, o-coumaric acid, tiagabine, quercitrin, and dihydroquercetin) to be present in fresh and aged leaf extracts. Conclusion: Fresh and aged MO leaf extracts showed distinct phytochemical profiles. Fresh samples exhibit more compounds with phenolic structures and anti-inflammatory properties. Differences in these samples likely result from autooxidation and/or changes in environmental factors affecting plant growth. 3 30 2026 108 116 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2026.15115 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/891/year=2026&vol=15&issue=1