Antioxidant and Phytochemical Analysis of Murraya koenigii: Traditional Uses and Modern Insights

Abstract

Murraya koenigii (curry leaf), a versatile plant native to India, is widely recognised for its medicinal, culinary, and industrial applications. It is rich in phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, offering a range of beneficial properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic effects. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Murraya koenigii leaves. Qualitative and quantitative screening was performed to identify key phytocompounds, including phenolics, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and flavanols. GC-MS analysis further characterised the chemical profile. The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, which demonstrated dose-dependent scavenging activity with IC$_{50}$ values of 1497 $\mu$g/ml, 176 $\mu$g/ml, and 1095 $\mu$g/ml, respectively. These findings highlight the antioxidant potential of Murraya koenigii leaves, supporting its therapeutic applications in traditional and modern medicine.