This research was conducted to identify simplicia microscopically, phytochemical screening and determination of total flavonoid content of extract and ethyl acetate fraction from Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) leaves using UV-Visible Spectrophotometry method. The experimental design used in this study was to perform microscopic identification of Moringa leaf powder simplicia, make 96% and 70% ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa leaves from 70% ethanol extract, then carry out phytochemical screening and determination of total flavonoid content with quercetin standards. Phytochemical screening on the ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa leaves included tests for the content of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. The results of microscopic identification of Moringa leaf simplicia showed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the form of rosettes, mesophyll and stomata. The result of determination of total flavonoid content in 96% ethanol extract was 16.69 ± 0.74% (w/w), 70% ethanol extract was 10.84 ± 0.49% (w/w), Moringa leaf ethyl acetate fraction 14 .45 ± 0.90% (w/w). The highest total flavonoid content was found in the 96% ethanol extract of Moringa leaves in accordance with the 2017 Indonesian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, that the thick extract of Moringa leaves containing no less than 6.30% (w/w) total flavonoids was calculated as quercetin.

The leaves of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam) contain quercetin, a flavonoid that plays a role in the skin regeneration process with an antioxidant mechanism, can play a role in the healing process of skin wounds. The ethanol extract of Moringa leaves was fractionated using petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. The MLEE (Moringa leaf ethanolic extract) gel formula was made to vary the extract weights in the order of 2%, 4% and 6% (b/b), while EFML (Moringa leaf ethyl acetate fraction) gel preparations were made to vary the extract weights in the order of 1%, 2% and 4% (b/b). Evaluation of the physical properties of the gel preparations, including organoleptic observation, homogenity tests, pH measurements, spreadability tests, adhesion tests, and antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The physical properties of all preparation fulfill the requirements. The test for antioxidant gel MLEE IC50: MLEE 1 144.72 ± 3.52 ppm; MLEE 2 138.15 ± 0.93 ppm; MLEE 3 136.59 ± 1.68 ppm when compared to extracts IC50 MLEE 23.14 ppm (very strong antioxidant activity). The EFML gel formulation (IC50: EFML 1 208.81 ± 4.09 ppm; EFML 2 193.22 ± 2.53 ppm; EFML 3 182.48 ± 2.11 ppm) gave the same results when compared to the thick fraction of Moringa leaves, which has moderate antioxidant activity. The formula gel MLEE 3 has moderate antioxidant activity, which is the best gel formulation based on the results of physical properties test.

BACKGROUND: Supplements that contain antioxidants may enhance prevention and treatment effects of a wide range of diseases including COVID-19. Quercetin, a flavonoid compound, is a natural antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. The current study was conducted to formulate Moringa leaf (Moringa oleifera L) ethanol extract capsules and to determine the quercetin antioxidant activity levels of Moringa ethanol extract capsule formulations.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the total flavonoid levels in solutions with concentrations of 20, 50, 60, 70 and 100 ppm using Thin Layer Chromatography Densitometric method. Evaluation of physical properties of 96% Moringa leaf ethanol extract capsules included moisture content test, granule angle of repose test, granule flow property test, capsule weight uniformity test and capsule disintegration time test. Antioxidant activity test using the DPPH method with two samples, namely 96% Moringa leaf ethanol extract capsules with formulas I, II, III, quercetin as a comparison.  RESULT: The results of the evaluation of 96% Moringa leaf ethanol extract capsules showed that formula II (PVP 50 mg) had good physical properties. Testing the antioxidant activity of capsules of ethanol extract of Moringa leaves formulas I, II, III, quercetin obtained IC50 values of 44.0 ppm, 40.2 ppm, 46.4 ppm, and 4.80 ppm, respectively.  CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the ethanol extract capsules of Moringa leaf formula II, met the parameters of a good capsule evaluation test requirement and had very strong antioxidant activity seen from the acquisition of the IC50 value. The antioxidant properties of Moringa leaf extract capsules may be able to improve the immune system and clinical trials need to be carried out on patients to become candidates for prevention and therapeutic supplement fora range of diseases including COVID-19.