<i>Moringa Oleifera</i> - Proximate and Anti-nutritional Composition

Abstract

Proximate and anti-nutrient composition of leaves, young shoots, flowers and pods of Moringa were analysed. The KAU released Moringa variety Anupama were selected for analysis. High moisture content of more than 80 % was observed in all parts of Moringa. Leaves had a high moisture content of 85.4%. The protein content was high in young shoots (6.12 g) followed by flowers (4.9 g), leaves (4.37 g) and pods (2.8 g). A high beta carotene content is present in leaves (16265 μg) followed by young shoots (13841 μg), pods (15.62 μg) and flowers (3.25 μg). Fat content of > 0.18 g was observed in all parts of Moringa. Leaves had a high vitamin C content of 53 mg followed by 62.76 mg in pods, 43 mg in young shoots and 7.25 mg in flowers. The calcium content was high in leaves (208 mg) followed by young shoots (123 mg), flowers (38 mg) and pods (24.5 mg). A high iron content of 5.12 mg is present in leaves, 3.90 mg in young shoots, 0.33 mg in flowers and 0.329 mg in pods. Leaves had a high phosphorous content of 95.1 mg followed by 73 mg in young shoots, 66.2 mg in flowers and 46.9 mg in pods. The zinc content was high in flowers (0.342 mg) followed by young shoots (0.30 mg), pods (0.268 mg) and leaves (0.23 mg). Anti-nutritional factors like phytates (18.7 mg), oxalates (15.7 mg) and tannins (0.311 mg) were high in leaves and pods.