Optimization of glycerol concentration and drying temperature on the characteristics of moringa leaf vegetable leather ( Moringa oleifera ) using response surface methodology

Moringa leaves ( Moringa oleifera ) contain bioactive compounds with strong potential for functional food applications, yet research on their product development remains limited. Hence, this study formulated and optimized Moringa leaf vegetable leather by adjusting glycerol concentration and drying temperature. The work used a Response Surface Methodology and a Central Composite experimental design. The research was conducted with the following variables: glycerol concentration (2-4%) and drying temperature (45–55°C). The study evaluates the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity (IC 50 ), and sensory quality of vegetable leather. Higher glycerol increased moisture content and IC 50 , while higher drying temperatures reduced moisture and affected the antioxidant stability. The optimal conditions were 3.715% glycerol with a drying temperature of 48.506°C. Verification results showing a moisture content of 12.98%, ash content of 6.40%, crude fiber of 4.80%, solubility of 68.62%, and an IC 50 of 1920.79 ppm. The conduct of sensory evaluation indicates good acceptance with preference scores within 7.07 < μ < 7.49. The optimized product met stable physicochemical characteristics, maintained bioactivity, and acceptable sensory quality of vegetable leather, indicating promising potential for the industrial-scale development of moringa leaves as functional foods.