Optimized formulation of a fortified mineral supplement from Moringa oleifera extract marc: A sustainable waste-to-value approach

Abstract

Large-scale extraction of bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves results in the generation of a significant amount of leftover marc, which is often discarded despite its substantial mineral content. This study presents an innovative waste-to-value approach in which moringa extract marc is repurposed into a nutrient-dense tablet formulation through controlled incineration, ensuring the retention of essential minerals while eliminating organic matter. The resulting moringa leaf ash was fortified with ascorbic acid and folic acid to increase iron bioavailability, immune support, and metabolic function. The formulation was systematically optimized via central composite design followed by response surface methodology. The optimized formulation exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with a friability of 0.027 %, hardness of 5.5 kg, and disintegration time of 723 s. In vitro drug release followed first-order kinetics, with 95.2 % drug release within 90 min. Elemental analysis confirmed significant levels of calcium (72.52 mg/g), iron (12.36 mg/g), and magnesium (11.24 mg/g). Toxicological assessment verified that the heavy metal content remained within permissible safety limits, and stability studies conducted over 12 months demonstrated minimal degradation. This study demonstrates the industrial and nutraceutical potential of moringa leaf ash-based supplements to address micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition, particularly in low-resource settings.