Comparative analysis on some quality attributes of sorghum stem sheath-moringa instant and infused drinks

Abstract

As per the records of World Health Organization (WHO), it is assumed that more than 60% of the global population is using the traditional medicine system in order to overcome several health related issues. Recent findings revealed that over 80% of the African population relies on medicinal plant species for their primary healthcare. Due to the unaffordability of conventional dugs, medicinal plants like sorghum stem sheath and moringa represent the key products for both urban and rural populations for their healthcare needs. These plants have found to have great therapeutic relevance for fighting major health problems. The research study investigated the proximate, vitamin C, mineral composition and organoleptic properties of sorghum stem sheath-moringa instant and infused drinks at ambient temperature. The result showed that minimal increases were observed in ash and vitamin C compositions of the enriched drinks with increased inclusion of moringa leaf extract. There was also a marginal increase in mineral contents not significantly improved in the enriched drink. The proximate compositions of the instant drinks were in the range of 0.079-0.232% (protein), 10.88-11.51% (carbohydrate), 0.005-0.008% (fat) and 0.25-0.28% (ash). The vitamin C contents of the infused drink ranged between 0.22 and 0.88 mg/100ml. Moreover, based on sensory evaluation, the sample with 15% moringa flour was most preferred in terms of all the sensory attributes evaluated by the panelists. This improved the nutritional value of the enriched drinks which can replace the laden fizzy carbonated commercial drinks in the market.