Sprouts of Moringa oleifera Lam.: Germination, Polyphenol Content and Antioxidant Activity
Martina Cirlini, Lorenzo Del Vecchio, Leandra Leto, Federica Russo, Luca Dellafiora, Valeria Guarrasi, Benedetta Chiancone
Abstract
(1) Background: In recent years, the consumption of sprouts, thanks to their high nutritional value, and the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties, is becoming an increasingly widespread habit. Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringa) seems to be an inexhaustible resource considering that many parts may be used as food or in traditional medicine; on the other hand, Moringa sprouts still lack a proper characterization needing further insights to envisage novel uses and applications. (2) Methods: In this study, a rapid and easy protocol to induce the in vivo and in vitro germination of Moringa seeds has been set up to obtain sprouts and cotyledons to be evaluated for their chemical composition. Moreover, the effects of sprouts developmental stage, type of sowing substrate, and gibberellic acid use on the chemical characteristics of extracts have been evaluated. (3) Results: Moringa seeds have a high germinability, both in in vivo and in vitro conditions. In addition, the extracts obtained have different total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. (4) Conclusions: This research provides a first-line evidence to evaluate Moringa sprouts as future novel functional food or as a valuable source of bioactive compounds.