Moringa the miracle tree is rich source of protein and its protein content are comparable with meat protein. In the current study protein was isolated from moringa flowers and utilized in preparation of bars. Physicochemical analysis like texture, color, caloric value, water activity, pH and sensory characteristics were determined to evaluate the nutritional and quality attributes of bars. Different concentration of isolated protein was used in the preparedness. Among all treatments T4 (15% protein isolate) and T3 (10% protein isolate) were best as they had the highest caloric value i.e. 498.33 and 480.37 kcal and high protein percentage 42.55 and 35.29%. T4 and T3 also were good in all textural parameters i.e. hardness 4.68 and 4.85 kg, firmness 3.88 and 3.67 kg, toughness 3.78 and 3.63 kg and work of shear 16.84 and 16.80 kg/mm. The obtained results indicated that the incorporation of moringa protein isolate in bars not only increase their aesthetic value but also increase their nutritional profile. High quality protein isolated from moringa is cheaper and easily grown with little care to provide ample supply of moringa protein to peoples which were in concern of money for provision of proteinaceous food to their families to combat malnutrition.
Vitamin C is imperative component of our nutrition and used as additive in many foods owing to its high antioxidant activity. The degradation of vitamin C content in orange juice during storage was evaluated in this study. Degradation of vitamin C in orange juice during 40 days storage at 0, 05, 15, 25, and 40 °C was analyzed and evaluated. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) accumulation in orange juice acts as an indicator of ascorbic acid degradation. The initial vitamin C content in orange juice was 34.26 mg/100 mL that reduced when subjected to various storage conditions such as temperature and time. The loss of vitamin C during storage was lowest at 0 °C and the losses increased with rise in temperature. The Vitamin C content after 40 days in orange juice at 0 °C were 7.19 mg/100 mL while the Vitamin C content reduced to 1.89 mg/100 mL in orange juice that were kept at 40 °C. Hence, with increase in temperature, the Vitamin C was degraded and accretion of HMF, 5 methyl furfural, and 2 methyl furfural was increased. The zero-order interaction between storage time and treatment showed significant influence on HMF.
4 December 2023 in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
This study aimed to isolate and characterize moringa leaf protein (MLP) via HPLC and evaluate its consumption's effects through rat model. Four groups of Albino Wistar rats (n = 25 each) along with a control group (n = 25) were acclimatized. The isolated MLP was added to the basal diet (casein; control) in various percentages (25, 50, 75, 100%) for a 21-day experimental period. On three intervals (1st, 11th, 21st days), blood samples were collected and subjected for hematological and biochemical examination (Renal Function Test (RFT), Liver Function Test (LFT)). MLP contained a variety of essential and non-essential amino acids in substantial amounts. The Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) of 50% MLP-treated group was the highest (1.72) among MLP treatments. Increases in feed intake and weight were observed in treated rats compared to the control. The hematological profile of the rats revealed increases in Hemoglobin (Hb) (7.9-14.0%), White Blood Cell (WBC) (35.9-51.5%), Red Blood Cell (RBC) (17.1-22.2%), Hematocrit (HCT) (13.1-22.9%), and platelets levels (36.5-40.6%) from day 1. Protein isolates decreased liver parameters but resulted in non-significant changes in liver and kidney functions in rats. Further investigation is needed to determine the safe daily intake of MLP.
19 November 2015 in Journal of Food Processing and Preservation