GC‐FID/MS Analysis of Fatty Acids in Indian Cultivars of Moringa oleifera: Potential Sources of PUFA

Abstract

In the present investigation, the fatty acid profile was analysed in vegetative and reproductive parts of eight commercially cultivated Indian cultivars of Moringa oleifera and verified by gas chromatography mass spectra. In leaves, a-linolenic acid (C 18:3 , cis-9,12,15) was found in the highest quantity (49-59 %) followed by palmitic acid (C 16:0 ) (16-18 %), and linoleic acid (C 18:2 , cis-9,12) (6-13 %). The total content of saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids showed a ratio of 0.33 (cv. DHA-NRAJ) to 0.39 (cv. PKM-2) in leaves, 0.53 in flowers and 0.56 in tender pods. Similarly, polyunsaturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated fatty acids were found in a ratio of 5.68 (cv. DHANRAJ) to 9.71 (cv. CO-1) in leaves, 1.11 in flowers and 2.79 in tender pods. The total lipid content was recorded in the range of 1.92 % (flowers) to 4.82 % (leaves, cv. CO-1). When considering health benefits, M. oleifera leaves contain low amounts of saturated fatty acids, a high mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, which can enhance the health benefits of Moringa-based products.

Relative bioavailability of folate from the traditional food plant Moringa oleifera L. as evaluated in a rat model

“…Recommended cultural practices were followed to raise the plants in field (Saini et al 2013). Leaves were collected early in the morning, mixed thoroughly and dried using cabinet tray dryer (Armstrong Smith, India), with a capacity of 40 trays of 400×800 mm at 50°C (Saini et al 2014d). Dehydrated leaves were powdered and stored at −80°C in amber color air tight containers until use.…”

Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, Therapeutic Potentials and Nutritional Values of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> (Zogale): A Review

“…Palmitic acid is recorded in the major saturated fatty acid, accounting for 16-18% of the total fatty acids in the Moringa leaves [10]. Immature pods and flowers are characterized by a higher content of total monounsaturated fatty acids and are low in polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the leaves [10].…”

“…Palmitic acid is recorded in the major saturated fatty acid, accounting for 16-18% of the total fatty acids in the Moringa leaves [10]. Immature pods and flowers are characterized by a higher content of total monounsaturated fatty acids and are low in polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the leaves [10]. In contrast, the seeds and seed oil have a high content of oleic, palmitoleic, stearic and arachidic acid and a lower content of linoleic, and linolenic acid [32].…”

“…The immature pods, flowers, and foliage of this tree are used for culinary purposes in different parts of the world [6]. The foliage of M. oleifera has been established as a rich source of phenolics and glucosinolates, minerals [7], tocopherols [8], carotenoids [9], polyunsaturated fatty acids [10], ascorbic acid [5], and folate [9]. Moringa seed oil also known as ''Ben oil'' is used for the production of biodiesel, because of the high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in form of oleic acid [11,12].…”

PGPR’s mix treatment to Moringa improved plant growth and iron content in foliage as substantiated by biochemical and molecular methods

“…Its foliage was found to be rich in carotenoids, tocopherols, iron, folate, fatty acids, etc. (Saini, Shetty, et al 2014a;Saini, Shetty, et al 2014b;Gupta et al 2017). Use of an abiotic elicitor on plants enhanced accumulation of carotenoids and tocopherols in leaves (Saini, Prashanth, et al 2014).…”