Studies on nutritional profile of different parts ofMoringa oleifera (Leaf, flower and pod)

Abstract

The leaves, fruit, flowers and immature pods of Moringa oleifera are used as a highly nutritive vegetable. The mandate\rof current study was to explore the nutritional worth of Moringa oleifera because of its easily availability and mostly use.\rThe raw materials were analyzed for the proximate like moisture, fat, protein, fibre, ash and carbohydrate and mineral\rprofile. The composition profiling of Moringa oleifera indicated that leaves , flowers and pods are good source of\rprotein, fat, crude fibre and ash content. Moringa oleifera leaves powder had highest protein content (24.14 %) followed\rby flower (16.1 %) and pods (13.8 %) . Moringa oleifera leaves contain high calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and iron\rcontent than flowers and pods. Moringa oleifera pod powder was found to be higher in potassium content (2847 mg)\rfollowed by leaves and flowers. Moringa oleifera leaves noted 6951 IU of vitamin A, 329 mg of vitamin C and 480 mg of\rvitamin E. Moringa oleifera leaves are having significant amount of vitamin A, C and E. However flowers and pods of\rMoringa oleifera are also reported considerable amount of vitamin C.Among the parts of Moringa oleifera total\rflavonoids and tannin content in the pods was found to be highest than flowers and leaves. Moringa oleifera leaves\rpowder had highest alkaloid content (5.68 %) followed by flower (3.87 %) and pods (3.28 %) .