ETHIOPIAN PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE
           REFERENCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Subscribe to RSS feed
                                

WIKINDX Resources

Abuye, C., Urga, K., Knapp, H., Selmar, D., Omwega, A. M., & Imungi, J. K., et al. (2003). A compositional study of moringa stenopetala leaves. East African Medical Journal, 80(5), 247–252. 
Resource type: Journal Article
DOI: 10.4314/eamj.v80i5.8695
ID no. (ISBN etc.): 0012835X
BibTeX citation key: Abuye2003
View all bibliographic details
Categories: General
Creators: Abuye, Imungi, Knapp, Omwega, Selmar, Urga, Winterhalter
Collection: East African Medical Journal
Attachments   URLs   https://www.ajol.i ... /article/view/8695
Abstract
Objective: To investigate nutrient composition in moringa leaves and compare with those of kale (Brassica carinata) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris). Design: Laboratory based study, nutrient composition of fresh and cooked leaves of M. stenopetala were analyzed. Setting: Gama-Gofa, south-western Ethiopia. Results: Raw M. stenopetala leaves contain 9% dry matter as crude protein, about 3-fold lower than in kale and Swiss chard. M. stenopetala leaves contain higher percentage of carbohydrate, crude fiber and calcium compared to both raw and cooked kale and swiss chard. Vitamins are present at nutritionally significant levels averaging 28mg/100g of vitamin C and 160 $μ$g/100g of $β$-carotene. Minerals such as potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and calcium also exist in significant concentrations with the average values of 3.08 mg/100g iron and 792.8 mg/100g calcium. Conclusion: Although the nutrient composition of M. stenopetala leaves in most cases is lower compared to kale and swiss chard they can be a good source of nutrients in dry season potentially when other vegetables are scarce. However, the presence of small amount of cyanogenic glucosides in M. stenopetala leaves may have a health risk in areas of high incidence of endemic goitre as an exacerbating factor if consumed more for a long period of time.