Metabolite Profiles and Bioactivity in Leaf Development Stages of Curry (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng)

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, often known as Curry or Kari, has long been used in traditional medicine as a multi-potential medicinal plant and as a food seasoning. Curry possesses bioactivity and is known to be active as an antitumor, antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antidysenteric, stimulant, and antibacterial agent. This bioactivity depends on its metabolite profile, which changes during development. This study aimed to determine the metabolite profile and bioactivity of Curry leaves across developmental stages using GC-MS metabolomic profiling. The results of the research revealed a total of 35 with 19 classified as terpenoids, 6 as esters, 4 as organic acids, 1 to the fatty acid group, and 5 to the unknown class from compounds in young, mature, and old Curry leaves. Caryophyllene was the dominant compound in young, mature and old leaves, with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and germ-fighting activities. In mature leaves, the dominant compound was 1-Methyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid, which functions as a moisturizing agent and humectant agent. Referring to the variety of compounds and bioactivities found in Temurai leaves, they have the opportunity to be developed as medicinal ingredients.