Antimutagenic and antiviral activity of hydroethanolic extract from Moringa oleifera L. leave: In vitro and in silico studies

Abstract

Background: Moringa oleifera (MO) leave has biological activities that are beneficial for improving health. In vitro studies show that its bioactive compounds prevent the development of degenerative diseases. Objective: This study aimed to determine the bioactive compounds in hydroethanolic extract of MO leave powder; measure its antioxidative and antimutagenic activity, and; to evaluate its ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a therapeutic target by in silico study. Methods: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to detect the bioactive compounds in hydroethanolic extract of MO leave powder. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used to measure the antioxidant activity by the ability to scavenge the DPPH free radical. The antimutagenic activity was measured by using the free radical treated plasmid pBR322. Molecular docking was used to determine the interaction of the bioactive compounds and the Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. Results: Total phenolic and flavonoids compounds of MO leave powder infusion are 50.02±0.14 mg GAE/g and 445.07 ± 4.09 mg QE/g, respectively. The main bioactive compounds in the hydroethanolic extract are Guanine and Luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The antioxidant activity of hydroethanolic extract of leave powder is IC50 118.9 ± 0.2 µg/mL, stronger than the standard BHT IC50 11.60 ± 0.30 µg/mL. The infusion also can protect DNA damage (antimutagenic). In silico studies show strong energy bonds of Mpro molecules with Guanine and Luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The binding energy values are -6.2 and -8.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusion: The hydroethanolic extract of MO leaf powder contains Guanine and Luteolin-7-O-glucoside. It has excellent antioxidant activity, ability to maintain DNA integrity or antimutagenic properties. As bioactive compounds, Guanine and Luteoli-7-O-glucoside can attach Mpro of SARS-CoV-2. In silico study indicates that hydroethanolic extract of MO leave powder can act as a medicinal ingredient that has anti SARS-CoV-2 properties.