Effect of nitrogen privation on the phenolics contents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities in Moringa oleifera leaves

Moringa oleifera has an exceptional composition in nutrients and different medicinal compounds. Phenolic compounds present in Moringa plant could prevent chronic non-communicable diseases. An increase in the secondary metabolites of Moringa oleifera could improve its functional properties. One possible strategy to increase functional properties in plants is to cultivate them under fertilizer deficit regimes as elicitation treatment (i.e: nitrogen). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of four nitrogen levels on the phenolic compounds profiles as well as on plant growth and functional properties in Moringa oleifera leaves. Total phenols and flavonoids, antioxidant and bactericidal activities of Moringa oleifera leaves extracts were evaluated. Our results displayed that reduce fertirrigation until 0.7 mg/L of N-NO3 (T0) had a positive impact on total phenols and flavonoids with 355 ± 4.9 μg CA/mg dry extract and 316 ± 8 μg Q/mg dry extract respectively, whereas the fertirrigation with 294.7 mg/L of N-NO3 (T100) It was found only 157 ± 8.1 μg CA/mg dry extract and 54 ± 0.1 μg Q/mg dry extract respectively. The higher values of phenolic content were improved the antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties of Moringa oleifera leaves extracts, nevertheless plant growth was affected.