COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NUTRITIONAL COMPONENTS OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA FROM KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Moringa oleifera has been reported as super food owing to its high nutritional value which has largely been explored in leaves with limited reports from other parts. Therefore, comparative study was designed to determine the nutritional components of different parts of M. oelifera found in Karachi, Pakistan. Samples were collected from multiple parts of M. oleifera plant. Proximate, minerals and Vitamin C analysis was carried out as per Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Amino acid contents were estimated using Amino Acid Analyzer. The protein content (g/100g dry weight basis) was high in the leaves with stalks and leaves samples compared to seedpods and stem. Caloric contents were in the order of leaves>leaves with
stalk>seedpods>stem. The contents of different minerals (Ca, Fe and K) and Vitamin C varied from parts to parts with leaves showed comparatively high amount of Vitamin C and calcium. Total amino acid contents of different parts were in the order of leaves>flowers>seedpods. In conclusion, all the studied parts of M. oleifera have nutritional significance. However, leaves and seed pods due to their comparatively higher nutritional value can be more beneficial as dietary supplement.