Pereskia Aculeata Research Articles

Propagation of ora-pro-nobis (Cactaceae) from cuttings at different concentrations of IBA

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) is an unconventional food plant, where asexual propagation via cuttings and the use of plant regulators is seen as an alternative in seedling production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate different concentrations of 3-indolebutyric acid (IBA) in the rooting of semi-hardwood cuttings of Pereskia aculeata Mill. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomised design, using cuttings of ora-pro-nobis at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g L-1 IBA in talc. Five treatments were used, with four replications, each comprising 10 cuttings. After 60 days, the following were evaluated: rate of cutting survival (SUR), number of shoots (NS), number of leaves (NL), mean shoot length (MSL), stem diameter (SD), length of the largest root (LRL), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), and root dry weight (RDW). The results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analysis. SD, SDW and NL were significantly affected by the IBA dose. The values for stem diameter and dry weight as a function of the dose were adjusted to the quadratic model, with the maximum dose estimated at 1.5 g L-1, to give an SD of 6 mm and an SDW of 1.68 g. Number of leaves showed an inverse quadratic adjustment. The doses of IBA used in the semi-hardwood cuttings of Pereskia aculeata Mill. are not a condition of rooting. Stem diameter and shoot dry weight are dependent on the action of IBA, with the maximum response at an approximate dose of 1.5 g L-1.

Alternative protein from Pereskia aculeata Miller leaf mucilage: technological potential as an emulsifier and fat replacement in processed mortadella meat

Considering that bio-based ingredients have attracted the attention of food industries and the great demand for emulsifiers, the present work studied the mucilage of Pereskia aculeata Miller (OPN) as an alternative emulsifier in meat product. Aqueous extraction by physical process was used to obtain mucilage from the leaves of the plant with high emulsifying activity. The OPN mucilage was characterized by its proximal composition, emulsifying potential and amino acid profile and was evaluated as an emulsifier and fat replacement in processed meat. Different formulations of mortadella-type meat product were developed and studied in terms of nutritional composition, color, texture profile, product-emulsion stability, firmness and sensory acceptance. OPN mucilage had a high emulsifying potential, is rich in minerals, and contains all the essential amino acids in its composition, which characterizes it as a nutritionally attractive food ingredient. The use of this mucilage allowed the replacement of chicken skin, which is an emulsifier traditionally used in mortadella-type meat product, contributing to the reduction of the overall fat content of the product. The selected formulation showed high sensory acceptance demonstrating the great potential for using OPN mucilage in meat products and as food ingredient.

Pereskia aculeata vibrational model by Raman characterization and DFT method

Raman scattering was used to obtain vibrational modes in a Pereskia aculeata sample. The obtained spectrum was compared with quercetin's theoretical spectra, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutinose, caffeic, and tartaric acid, generated from the density functional theory (DFT) method, which used structures of the known composition present in the sample. Among the main compounds, phenolic acids and flavonoids are mentioned. Vibrational signatures, designated as CO and CH group modes, are abundant and bands in the region between 800 and 1800 cm-1. This showed that the theoretical and experimental results had good correspondence between the flavonoids. Statistical observations of correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were used, which helped in the process of correlation between sample and data obtained. Theoretical spectra have been corrected by a single scale factor of 0.961, and vibrational contributions by the molecular group were via VEDA software.

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller): a potential alternative for iron supplementation and phytochemical compounds

Abstract Ora-pro-nobis (OPN) (Pereskia aculeata Miller) is a non-conventional edible plant rich in protein, fibres and minerals. The innovation of this work is based on the sustainability production of the aqueous extract (green solvent) containing iron and bioactive compounds as well as employing a native plant from Brazil. A screening of phytochemicals components, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins contents were performed using OPN extract. The antioxidant activity of the OPN aqueous extract was determined by three different assays as following: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•); Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP); and Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC). The OPN dried leaves presented high protein and minerals contents. Indeed, the Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR Spectroscopy) analysis performed in OPN aqueous extract confirmed the appearance of representative functional groups of the bioactive compounds. Overall the results suggested that it is possible to use simple aqueous solvent to produce OPN extract rich in iron, bioactive compounds and within antioxidant activity that could be potentially used as functional food ingredient.

Iron species and proteins distribution in unconventional food plants

Abstract The sustainable food valorization is capable to stimulate the local products consumption with quality and nutritional security. In this scenario, Unconventional Food Plants (UFPs) deserve attention representing an alternative for rural communities and contributing to the local and regional economy. This work aimed to add nutritional information, once it evaluates total Fe concentration, Fe-species (water soluble, acid soluble, and inorganic), proteins, and Fe- proteins distribution in beldroega (Portulaca oleracea L.), guasca (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.), ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.), piracá (Vernonia scorpioides (Lam.) Pers.), and trapoeraba (Commelina benghalensis L.). Considering the Fe total concentration, the studied UPFs can be excellent Fe sources, when compared to foods of plant origin widely consumed and cultivated, detaching the guasca leaves (687±19 µg g-1). However, the guasca leaves showed low concentration of Fe associated to macromolecules and Fe soluble species (1.6±0.3 µg g-1). These results may justify the low bioavailability of Fe species. On the other hand, beldroega leaves presented the highest concentration of inorganic Fe (1.3±0.2 µg g-1). In the UFPs, there is high glutelins concentration when compared to the other protein groups, meaning that UFPs can be low-cost alternative to supplementing protein intake. Finally, for majority UFPs, except guasca leaves, Fe is mainly associated to albumins, being a good source of bioavailable Fe species.

Microwave vacuum drying of Pereskia aculeata Miller leaves: Powder production and characterization

AbstractPereskia aculeata Miller (PAM) is a non‐conventional leaf vegetable that has drawn attention due to its remarkable nutritional quality, such as a high protein, carotenoids, and vitamin content. This study aimed to produce dehydrated PAM‐leaves by air‐drying (AD), freeze‐drying (FD), and microwave vacuum drying (MWVD), and evaluate the quality and physicochemical properties (moisture, aw, bulk density, particle density, bed porosity, apparent solubility, dispersion time, and β‐carotene content) of the dried powdered leaves. To produce powders with aw lower than 0.4 and moisture content below 6%, MWVD showed a drying time of 1.3 and 0.8 hr using the input power of 300 W and 500 W, respectively; besides, the final drying time for AD and FD was around 10 and 16 hr, respectively. MWVD dried powder showed bed porosity of ~67% and solubility around 30%, slightly less porous, and with a similar solubility to the FD‐powder. PAM powder dehydrated by MWVD preserved about 66% of the original content of β‐carotene equivalent for both microwave power, which is only 15% lower of the content in the FD‐powder, and twice bigger than AD‐powder. The MWVD of PAM allowed obtaining high‐quality powders comparable to the freeze‐dried PAM.Practical ApplicationsAs Pereskia aculeata Miller (PAM) is a leaf vegetable with high protein, carotenoids, and vitamin contents, its powders can be a suitable and stable presentation for a new proteinaceous product. This use of PAM as a powder with high protein concentration is in agreement with the global trend that seeks new plant‐based protein sources. In this way, the study of drying processes that result in PAM powders with suitable properties is of interest to researchers and food industries.

Nutritional and rheological evaluation of blends based on ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) and wheat flour

This work aimed to evaluate the nutritional and rheological quality of ora-pro-nobis flour (OPNF) and its influence on the replacement of wheat flour (WF), through the analysis of physicochemical parameters, determination of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and rheological analyzes of wheat flour and mixtures with 10 to 30% OPNF. Flour blends with 10%, 20% and 30% of OPNF in substitution of WF in flour base were evaluated. The OPNF showed higher values of lipids (2.87%), proteins (18.29%), fibers (44.13%), ash (11.19%), minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe and Zn), beta-carotene (71.37 µg 100 g-1), lycopene (25.02 µg 100 g-1), total chlorophyll (24.40 µg 100 g-1), ABTS radical-scavenging capacity (15.02 μmol Trolox eq. g-1) and DPPH (IC 50 = 33.30 μmol mL-1 extract) in relation to WF. The flour blends with 10%, 20% and 30% of OPNF showed a higher nutritional value and antioxidant activity proportional to the increase on OPNF concentration. The increasing on the concentration of OPNF in flour blends reduced the values of the gluten strength (P), tenacity (W), extensibility (L), water absorption and falling number. Moreover, it increased the values of dough development time, dough stability and water absorption. The results of rheological analyzes indicate that flour blends of OPNF (10%, 20% and 30%) with WF have characteristics suitable for use in biscuits, baked cakes and breads. The data from this study demonstrate the nutritional value and technological potential of OPNF for the development of food products.

Amino acid-based hydrophobic affinity cryogel for protein purification from ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) leaves

The surfaces of the polyacrylamide cryogels were coated with L-tryptophan (cryogel-Trp) or L-phenylalanine (cryogel-Phe) to enhance crude leaf extract-derived ora-pro-nobis (OPN) protein binding via pseudo-specific hydrophobic interactions. Cryogels functionalized with amino acids were prepared and characterized through morphological, hydrodynamic, and thermal analyses. The adsorption capacities of cryogel-Phe and cryogel-Trp were evaluated in terms of type (sodium sulfate or sodium phosphate) and concentration (0.02 or 0.10 mol∙L−1) of saline solution, pH (4.0, 5.5, or 7.0), and NaCl concentration (0.0 or 0.5 mol∙L−1). The cryogel-Phe presented a higher adsorptive capacity, achieving its maximum value (q = 92.53 mg∙g−1) when the crude OPN crude leaf extract was diluted in sodium sulfate 0.02 mol∙L−1 + NaCl 0.50 mol∙L−1, at pH = 7.0. The dilution rate significantly (p < 0.05) affected the recovered protein amount after the adsorption and elution processes, reaching 94.45% when the feedstock solution was prepared with a crude extract 5 times. The zeta potential for the eluted OPN proteins was 5.76 mV (pH = 3.23) for both dilution rates. The secondary structure composition mainly included β-sheets (46.50%) and α-helices (13.93%). The cryogel-Phe exhibited interconnected pores ranging 20–300 μm in size, with a Young modulus of 1.51 MPa, and thermal degradation started at 230 °C. These results indicate that the cryogel-Phe exhibited satisfactory properties as promising chromatography support for use in high-throughput purification of crude leaf extract-derived OPN proteins.

Machine learning in classification and identification of nonconventional vegetables.

Vegetables are important in economic, social, and nutritional matters in both the Brazilian and international scenes. Hence, some researches have been carried out in order to encourage the production and consumption of different species such as nonconventional vegetables. These vegetables have an added value because of their nutritional quality and nostalgic appeal due to the reintroduction of these species. For this reason, this article proposes the use of the machine learning technique in the construction of models for supervised classification and identification in an experiment with five leafy special of nonconventional vegetables (Tropaeolum majus, Rumex acetosa, Stachys byzantina, Lactuca cf. indica e Pereskia aculeata) assessing the characteristics of the macro and micro nutrients. In order to evaluate the classifiers' performance, the cross-validation procedure via Monte Carlo simulation was considered to confirm the model. In ten replications, the success and error rates were obtained, considering the false positive and false negative rates, sensibility, and accuracy of the classification method. Thus, it was concluded that the use of machine learning is viable because it allows the classification and identification of nonconventional vegetables using few nutritional attributes and obtaining a success rate of over 89% in most of the classifiers tested.

Urban gardening and neglected and underutilized species in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

BackgroundUrban agriculture has been evidenced as a food production and environmental sustainability strategy, although it faces many obstacles in Latin American countries. Additionally, in urban areas, low consumption of fruit and greenery is noticeable, along with loss in food diversity, including the neglected and underutilized species (NUS), which involve potential to strengthen local food systems. For this reason, this work has sought to map urban gardens in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, characterizing their gardeners, and to systematize information regarding food produced and the use of NUS.MethodsThe municipality’s urban gardens were mapped and data was collected from the gardeners. The study included two steps: (i) garden localization; (ii) on-site visits for interviews with gardeners and verification of cultivated food, destination of production, availability, and use of NUS.ResultsEighteen active food gardens were located, seventeen of which participated in the study: eight (8) communal (UCG) and nine (9) private (UPG). Respondents were on average 55.76 years old, mostly (52.9%) male, working at UPG (88.9%). Women predominated in the UCG (87.5%), with higher levels of education. For 52.9% of the interviewees, the garden was their main source of income. Food produced at the urban gardens was consumed by 82.4% of the gardeners and their families. In 70.6% of the gardens, production was also sold, while 47.1% donated. During the survey, 59 NUS were found and 76.5% of respondents reported consuming 19 of the species. NUS leaves, fruits, and seeds were found to be eaten raw, boiled, or sautéed in various preparations, especially Coleus amboinicus Lour. (76.5%), Eryngium foetidum L. (35.3%), Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss., and Pereskia aculeata Mill (both 29.4%). Occurrence and utilization of NUS did not present significant associations with the gardens or gardeners (p > 0.05).ConclusionsSalvador urban gardens, even in small numbers and without government support, have produced affordable food for the local population, preserved food diversity, and the tradition of NUS cultivation and use. Thus, urban gardens are reaffirmed as relevant spaces that should be included in public policies in order to promote food and nutritional security, biodiversity, and urban environmental sustainability.

Preclinical studies indicate that INFLATIV, an herbal medicine cream containing Pereskia aculeata, presents potential to be marketed as a topical anti-inflammatory agent and as adjuvant in psoriasis therapy

A previous study reported that the hexane fraction (HF) obtained from Pereskia aculeata leaves showed promising topical anti-inflammatory activity. Intending its future use in clinical practice, a herbal medicine cream named INFLATIV was developed. Its anti-inflammatory and antipsoriatic potential were investigated. INFLATIV was subjected to preliminary accelerated stability tests and to a degradation profile assessment. INFLATIV was prepared at 6% and 12%. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by croton oil single and multiple application challenge in mice. Mouse tail test was used for antipsoriatic potential investigation. Cutaneous atrophy test was performed. Preliminary accelerated stability tests were performed together with a degradation profile by GC-MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity shown by INFLATIV was comparable to dexamethasone. However, the skin atrophy caused by that drug was not observed. INFLATIV modified skin parakeratotic differentiation into orthokeratosis, which revealed its antipsoriatic potential. The ingredients used were suitable to carry the bioactives as they were well permeated by the skin. The preliminary accelerated stability tests indicated that INFLATIV 6% is more stable than 12%. The results demonstrated the relevant therapeutic and marketing potentials of INFLATIV, which is likely to be further evaluated in clinical trials for drug registration process with regulatory agencies.

Evolution of growth traits in invasive Pereskia aculeata (Cactaceae): testing the EICA hypothesis using its specialist herbivore, Catorhintha schaffneri (Coreidae).

Species introduced into new habitats are fitter than their native populations, as hypothesized by the 'evolution of increased competitive ability' (EICA). Here, Pereskia aculeata Miller was used as a model to test EICA and explore how 'enemy release' may have influenced the invasion success of its 400-year-old introduced populations (genotypes) compared with native populations. Plant growth traits (height and shoot length) of 15 genotypes [four from the introduced range (South Africa) and 11 from the native range (Brazil and Argentina, Venezuela and The Dominican Republic)] were assessed. Damage and impact of a shoot-feeding, sap-sucking specialist Catorhintha schaffneri Brailovsky & Garcia on ten genotypes were also compared. All but one of the invasive genotypes were significantly taller than native genotypes. Although the invasive genotypes were relatively more damaged by herbivory than some of the native genotypes, the observed differences were not explained completely by their origins. Nonetheless, the findings partially supported the predictions of the EICA hypothesis because invasive genotypes were generally taller than native genotypes, but did not fully support the hypothesis because they were not always more damaged than the native genotypes by C. schaffneri. Invasive genotypes had an advantage in the introduced range as they can climb neighbouring vegetation more quickly than native genotypes, but the damage incurred by the invasive genotypes relative to the native genotypes suggests only that C. schaffneri would be as damaging in South Africa, where it serves as a biocontrol agent, as it is in its native distribution in Brazil. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Correction to: Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) Nutrition as Related to Soil Chemical and Physical Attributes and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms

An incorrect graphic is presented for Fig. 4 in this article.

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) Nutrition as Related to Soil Chemical and Physical Attributes and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms

Ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) Nutrition as Related to Soil Chemical and Physical Attributes and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms

Atividade antioxidante e conteúdo de compostos fenólicos do chá do caule da Pereskia aculeata Miller fresco e armazenado sob congelamento

A Pereskia aculeata Miller, popularmente conhecida no Brasil como ora-pro-nóbis (OPN), é considerada uma planta alimentícia não convencional (PANC), rica em compostos bioativos e utilizada no tratamento de doenças e suplementação. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a atividade antioxidante in vitro (IC50(DPPH)), o conteúdo total de compostos fenólicos (CTF) e flavonoides (CTFL) de chás (extratos aquosos) produzidos a partir da farinha do caule da Pereskia aculeata Miller, avaliando a influência do armazenamento sob congelamento nesses parâmetros. Destaca-se que os resultados apresentados neste estudo são inéditos na literatura. Os valores médios encontrados para IC50(DPPH), CTF e CTFL foram (589,34 ± 69,48 μg mL-1); (86,06 ± 16,37 mg EAG g-1) e (13,18 ± 3,56 mg ER g-1), respectivamente. Esses compostos fenólicos parecem ter grande participação no potencial antioxidante moderado desse tipo de chá. O congelamento dos extratos durante um período de três semanas não produziu alterações estatisticamente significativas. Entretanto, é provável que o armazenamento desse chá por um período superior provoque tais mudanças.

Exploring consumers’ knowledge and perceptions of unconventional food plants: case study of addition of Pereskia aculeata Miller to ice cream

Unconventional food plants (UFPs) are by definition little known and infrequently consumed by population, although are recognized as having high nutritional value and economic potential. The objective was to assess the knowledge about UFPs by the population in the southwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil; and more particularly to evaluate the holistic perception of an ice cream prepared with the UFP ora-pro-nóbis, a plant that is gaining attention in recent years We applied a questionnaire to assess knowledge of several UFPs; check-all-that-apply questions to evaluate the knowledge, habits and perceptions regarding UFPs; and word association (WA) and acceptance tests for holistic and hedonic evaluation of the ice cream. The results revealed that the best known UFP species were taro and roselle, followed by ora-pro-nóbis and lamb’s ear. They also revealed that among participants, the majority (63%) had heard of UFPs, but only 19.4% stated they had the custom of eating these plants. The respondents also indicated interest in buying UFPs, but stated it was not easy to find them for sale. In the WA test, ice cream was described mainly in the categories tasty, innovation, sweet taste, plant flavor, smooth and creamy, and the acceptance index was 74%.

Ground-truthing climate-matching predictions in a post-release evaluation

Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) is an invasive alien cactus which has negative impacts on indigenous plant biodiversity in South Africa. Catorhintha schaffneri Barilovsky & Garcia (Coreidae), the pereskia stem-wilter, was collected at coastal sites in the subtropical region of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil and released as a biological control agent to control P. aculeata, in South Africa, in 2014. The introduced distribution of P. aculeata covers a wide variety of climatic conditions which was expected to influence the establishment success of the new agent. The thermal tolerance of C. schaffneri was investigated by developing a degree-day model and calculating the thermal limits of the species. The influence of humidity on egg hatchability and adult survival was also investigated. These data were then used to determine where the agent was likely to establish in South Africa using both weather station and microclimate temperature data. To ground-truth these predictions, sixteen release sites were selected covering a wide range of climatic conditions in the introduced distribution. Three releases of 30 adult C. schaffneri were conducted at each site and population establishment was recorded. Field establishment was recorded at only two of the sixteen experimental release sites. Low winter temperatures were predicted to prevent establishment at seven of the sixteen sites, but nine sites were considered climatically suitable according to the agent’s thermal physiology. Low rainfall and humidity could explain why the agent did not survive at some sites with suitable thermal climates. Many of the thermally suitable sites were affected by a severe drought over the course of the experiment, so further releases during periods with average rainfall and humidity are warranted and could confirm whether the drought was a significant factor influencing the failure of the agent to establish. Although climatic-matching and thermal physiology studies are valuable for tentative predictions of establishment success, there are numerous variables involved that require ground-truthing. Releasing the agent over a wide range of climatic zones believed to be within the thermal limits of the agent, and following releases with detailed post-release evaluations may be the best method of determining where future releases should be focused.

Fresh leaves of ora-pro-nóbis in cakes prepared from commercial pre-mixture

Establishing good infant eating habits in childhood is quite important for proper growth and development. The increasing number of mothers who work outside home has made children have their meals in day care centers or schools. In addition, meals have their preparation being replaced by more suitable options, like instant food, lately depriving kids from good eating and nutritional habits. Such kind of food does not contribute to the formation of good eating habits. Thus, vegetables such as the ora-pro-nóbis (unconventional vegetable, known in English language countries as Barbados Goosenberry and cientific name Pereskia aculeata Miller) that have in their leaves proteins, fibers and minerals, like iron, can contribute to improve the childlike feeding. In order to improve the nutritional value of commercial chocolate cake premixes, in natura ora-pro-nóbis leaves were added in at ratios of 0 (standard), 10, 20, 30 and 40% leaf weight per dough weight, which were covered with chocolate kind icing. Moisture, ashes, lipids, proteins, crude fiber and carbohydrate and total caloric content (VCT) were analyzed in the elaborated formulations. The results showed a significant increase in water retention, crude fiber content and decrease in total caloric value (VCT) in the added cakes of ora-pro-nóbis leaves.

Effect of carrier oil on α-tocopherol encapsulation in ora-pro-nobis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) mucilage-whey protein isolate microparticles

Microparticles of whey protein isolate (WPI) and ora-pro-nobis mucilage (OPN) encapsulated α-tocopherol were made using long-chain unsaturated (e.g., canola oil (CA)) or medium-chain saturated oil (e.g., coconut oil (CO)) as the carrier oil. Microparticles were produced from CO- or CA-in-water emulsions by freeze-drying emulsions with various ratios of WPI/OPN. Before freeze dying, emulsions exhibited Newtonian or shear-thinning behavior. Drying yields for freeze-dried emulsions ranged between 74.1% and 87.1% w/w, depending on the biopolymers-to-oil ratio and varied depending on whether CA or CO was used as the carrier. WPI:OPN ratios (between 23:1 and 7:1) nor oil phase (e.g., CO or CA) significantly affected the physical properties (e.g., oil retention, water content, and activity) of the dried powder between treatments. Higher powder bulk density (0.22 g cm−3) and encapsulation efficiency (79.8% w/w) were obtained from freeze-drying CO-, compared to CA-in-water emulsions and with higher concentrations of OPN. Over 35 days, α-tocopherol retention and degradation kinetics differed between CO and CA and was dependent on relative humidity. Bioaccessibility of encapsulated α-tocopherol was higher with WPI/OPN and CA (55.0 ± 1.89%) compared to CO (42.4 ± 1.78%), while the rate of α-tocopherol release and induction time for release were statically equal.

Protein yield and mineral contents in Pereskia aculeata under high-density planting system

ABSTRACT The development of technologies to increase the yield of Pereskia aculeata Mill. may contribute to its market insertion as an excellent source of protein. This study aimed to assess the influence of plant density on protein yield and mineral contents of P. aculeata leaves and branches. The experiment consisted of five treatments (1 plant m-², 5 plants m-², 10 plants m-², 25 plants m-² and 50 plants m-²), in three blocks. Eight consecutive harvests were obtained over 12 months, and 10 plants m-² was considered the best density, with yields of 144.0 t ha-1 year-1, 25.6 t ha-1 year-1, 310.8 t ha-1 year-1 and 58.3 t ha-1 year-1, respectively for leaf fresh and dry matter, and branch fresh and dry matter. The average leaf protein content (22.4 %) was not influenced by plant density. The estimated total protein yields were 5,759 kg ha-1 year-1 and 9,035.3 kg ha-1 year-1, respectively in the leaves and branches with leaves. The high-density system with 10 plants m-2 in successive harvests is a fast way to produce large amounts of vegetable protein and mineral-rich leaves per area and time for human and animal feeding.