Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaves as Influenced by Different Methods of Preservation
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Abstract
Moringa oleifera leaves are recognized as nutritionally and medicinally important for life. Maintaining the freshness of leaves is a challenge due to their very low shelf life. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of the nutritional quality of Moringa oleifera leaves by cost-effective preservation methods.
Samples of raw, sundried, oven-dried, and brine-preserved Moringa oleifera leaves were investigated for % proximate compositions based on AOAC methods. The antioxidant potential was analyzed via DPPH assay.
The moisture content was significantly (p<0.05) reduced from 40.37±0.08% (fresh) to 27.48±0.20% for Moringa oleifera in brine. Ash content was significantly (p<0.05) reduced from 9.12±0.03% (fresh) to 8.63±0.15% (sun-dried), 8.17±0.08% (oven dried), 7.60±0.08% (in brine). Crude protein content of Moringa oleifera in brine (in bottles) significantly (p<0.05) increased to 26.53±0.06% from 26.50±0.05% (fresh), 24.17±0.13% (sundried), 23.34±0.24% (oven dried). Crude fat content was significantly (p<0.05) reduced from 6.33±0.10% (fresh) to 5.26±0.09% (sun-dried), 4.30±0.15% (oven dried), 3.55 ±0.12% (in brine). Crude fiber content was significantly (p<0.05) reduced from 9.63±0.09% (fresh) to 8.47±0.08% (sun-dried), 8.17±0.03% (oven dried), 6.83±0.14% (in brine). Total carbohydrate content was significantly (p<0.05) increased from 8.20±0.29% (fresh) to 45.90±0.32% (sun-dried), 52.60±0.36% (oven dried), 26.01±0.17% (in brine).
The highest antioxidant potential was recorded in Moringa oleifera leaves in brine. (IC50 value is 54.6).
Therefore, Moringa oleifera leaves in brine are a product that enhances the quality of nutrients while increasing its shelf life. Sun-dried and oven-dried Moringa oleifera leaf powder is also a cost-effective way of preservation.