Proximate Composition of Moringa Oleifera Lam. from different Regions in Sudan

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a very useful tree in tropical countries. In folklore and ayurvedic all parts of the tree used in different healing procedures for different diseases. The aim of this work was to contribute to our knowledge of the proximate analysis of M. oleifera (leaves) in Sudan. Proximate analyzes of M. oleifera from different regions in Sudan (Khartoum, Omdurman, Atbara and a private farm located in Sababi area Khartoum North, Sudan). The percentage of moisture, ash, Acid insoluble ashes, fibre, fat, Carbohydrate and protein in leaves of M. oleifera from Khartoum, Omdurman, Atbara and Sababi in Sudan was found to be 6.29 to 8.40, 7.14 to 9.12, 0.35 to 0.65, 9.01 to 10, 7.00 to 9.05, 36.28 to 43.90 and 24.47 to 30.05 %, respectively. The higher moisture overall, the contents of moisture, Acid insoluble ashes and fibre were found to be higher in the samples of leaves of Atbara region while lowest in Sababi region. These present results indicated that the leaves of M. oleifera analyzed from different regions, although having considerably different contribution of proximate parameters, can be explored as a potential source of valuable nutrients.