Nutrients and Minerals Content of Eleven Different Samples of Moringa oleifera Cultivated in Thailand

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, the medicinal plant in Moringaceae family, has been used worldwide in traditional medicine. Different parts of this plant contain a profile of important minerals, and a good source of protein, vitamins, and various phenolics. The objective of this study was to compare the proximate composition and mineral constituents in Moringa leaves from 11 different agro climatic regions distributed in Thailand. These leaves were found to contain 19.15-28.80 % of protein; 2.06-2.47 % of fat; 16.30-23.89 % of fiber; 8.52-13.53 % of moisture. The calcium, potassium and iron contents of Moringa leaves (100 g dry weight) were found in the range of 1510.41-2951.13 mg, 1504.23-2054.05 mg and 20.31- 37.60 mg, respectively. The results of present analysis revealed that Moringa leaves indigenous to different agro-climatic regions of Thailand contained an appreciable amount of nutrients and might be used as a good supplement for some nutrients such as protein, fiber and minerals.