Linolenic acid and folate in wild-growing African dark leafy vegetables (morogo)

Abstract

Background: Transition from a low-fat vegetable-rich rural diet to a high-fat Westernised diet is considered a factor in the escalating occurrence of vascularrelated diseases and type 2 diabetes in urban black South Africans. Consumption of morogo is a distinguishing feature of rural African diets. Objective: To determine fatty acid profiles and folate contents of three widely consumed, wild-growing, African dark green leafy vegetables (morogo). Design: GC-MS was applied for analysis of fatty acid composition and a validated microbiological assay conducted to determine folic acid contents of wild-growing morogo sampled from deep rural villages in three different geographical regions of South Africa. Results: Measured fatty acids ranged from 1610?2 to 2941?6 mg/100 g dry mass, with PUFA concentrations 1?4 to 2?8 times those of SFA. Calculated from the relative percentages of linoleic acid (18 : 2n-6) and linolenic acid (18 : 3n-3), the ratio of 18 : 2n-6 to 18 : 3n-3 PUFA was 1?0:3?4 to 1?0:8?9. The only MUFA was palmitoleic acid (16 : 1), measured at 34?7 (SD 0?3) to 79?0 (SD 9?3) mg/100 g dry mass, and the predominant SFA was palmitic acid (16 : 0), measured at 420?6 (SD 83?3) to 662?0 (SD 21?2) mg/100 g dry mass. Folic acid concentration varied from 72 to 217 mg/100 g fresh sample. Conclusion: Morogo is low-fat food item high in folate and with 18 : 3n-3 in excess of 18 : 2n-6, the proposed anti-inflammatory effects of which may lower risks of vascular-related chronic diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Nutrient composition of cats whiskers (Cleome gynandra L.) from different agro ecological zones in Malawi

“…However, the calcium values found in the present study are higher than 288 mg/100 g calcium content of C. gynandra reported by Mbugua et al (2008). Differences in minerals calcium and iron from the 3 districts reported in the study agree with van der Walt et al (2009), who reported significant differences in iron and zinc from Rustenburg and Capricorn districts. Minerals are important for vital body functions such as acid-base and water balance (Omale and Ugwu, 2011).…”

“…The study findings of zinc contents of C. gynandra are lower than 8.4 mg/100 g reported by van der Walt et al (2009). The zinc values found by the study is also lower than 6 and 6.3 mg/100 g, reported by TidemannAndersen et al (2011).…”

“…In terms of season, plant foods are especially prone to variation, particularly in their water, carbohydrate and vitamin content. In relation to this, Van Der Walt et al (2009) reported differences in nutrients of C. gynandra from different districts in South Africa due to geographic and climatic conditions.…”

Protective effects of Amaranthus hybridus against aflatoxin B1and fumonisin B1-induced genotoxicity in H4IIE-luc cells

“…[25] Quantifi cation of fatty acids Fatty acids were identified and quantified by use of gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry system with split-less injection. An Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph ported to a 5973 mass selective detector (CA, USA) was used according to the method described by van der Walt et al [17] Mineral and trace element analysis Minerals and trace elements were quantified by use of an Agilent 7500c inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometer as described by van der Walt et al [18] Three separate samples were analyzed and values were reported as the mean ± SD in mg/100 g dm.…”

“…Amaranthus species are good sources of β-carotene, polyphenols, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. [17,18] Moreover, a joint publication of the United Nations Development Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization, expressed the view that wild-growing food plants are an affordable and practical source of nutrition to improve the nutritional status of rural HIV-affected households. [19] The present study was carried out to assess whether the aqueous extracts of A. hybridus can protect rat hepatoma cells against FB 1 and AFB 1 induced cytotoxicity and disruption of DNA integrity.…”