The effect of drying methods on chemical and physical properties of leaves and stems Moringa oleifera Lam

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam has gained attention as natural nutrition of tropics for its potential. Drying process damage to the nutrients of postharvest product, especially bioactive components. Therefore, the objective of the study was to analyze the effect of different drying methods (sun, shade and cabinet drying) on chemical and physical properties of the plant’s leaves and stems. The samples (leaves and stems) were dried in three different conditions sun drying (6 hours); shade (25C, 48 hours) and cabinet drying (50C, 6 hours). Moisture content of shade-dried sample was the highest while the content of leaves was lower than stems. Moreover, sun drying yielded the highest antioxidant capacity, the antioxidant activity, and the minerals contents (Zn, Fe, K and Mg). The antioxidant capacity and the antioxidant activity of stems were more stable than leaves even though the antioxidant capacity of leaves was the highest. FTIR showed CH2 asymmetrical stretching of methylene groups in lipid, the C-H stretching of alkane and the C-H stretching aromatic compounds of leaves were higher intensity than stems.