ABSTRACT
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. AIM: The present 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 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate method with two samples, namely, 96% Moringa leaf ethanol extract capsules with formulas I, II, and III, quercetin as a comparison. RESULTS: The results of the evaluation of 96% Moringa leaf ethanol extract capsules showed that formula II (polyvinylpyrrolidone 50 mg) had good physical properties. Testing the antioxidant activity of capsules of the ethanol extract of Moringa leaves formulas I, II, and 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 for a range of diseases including COVID-19.