Proximate Analysis and Chemical Composition of Raw and Defatted Moringa oleifera Kernel

Abstract

The proximate, mineral analyses and anti-nutrient compositions of Moringa oleifera (Drumstick) which are commonly used as nutritional and medicinal plant in Nigeria were carried out on both raw and defatted seeds. The nutrient and the anti-nutrients determination were done using various standards. Mean and standard error of means of the triplicate determinations were calculated. The result showed that defatting Moringa oleifera seeds increased the fibre, carbohydrate, vitamins B and C, iron and zinc content and significantly reduced the calcium, potassium and phosphate contents. The result also showed that defatting Moringa oleifera significantly decreased the tannin, alkaloids, saponin, phytate, oxalate levels but increased the cyanogenic glycosides level to a level lower than what is considered toxic to human beings and livestock. Hence, the defatted cake could be used in fortification of other food materials.

Keywords: defatted, anti-nutrients, Moringa oleifera, kernels.