T81
Physico-chemical characterization of Moringa oleifera Lam seed from different regions of Brazil
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Exhibit/Poster Hall, lower level (Hilton Clearwater Beach)
Mariana O. Silva1, Elton G. Bonafe2, Jesuí Visentainer2, Miriam C. B. A. Ugri3, Rosângela Bergamasco4, Marcelo F. Vieira5 and Angélica M. S. Vieira3, (1)Post Graduate Program in Food Science, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil, (2)Chemical Department, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Brazil, (3)Department of Chemical Engineering, State University of Maringa, Maringa, Brazil, (4)Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil, (5)Chemical Engineering Departament, State University of Maringa, Maringá, Brazil
Moringa oleifera Lam is a tropical plant belonging to Moringaceae family, native from India . Moringa seeds have been studied for years, particularly due to the coagulant properties and oil composition similar to olive oil fatty acids. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of Moringa seeds originating from different Brazilian regions. The seeds from Sergipe and Paraná presented similar values of length, thickness, density and diameter. The seeds from Bahia and Mato Grosso do Sul are similar to each other in relation to the width, thickness, density and sphericity.
The seeds from Sergipe presented the highest content of calcium, magnesium and iron. In general, the seeds from Bahia showed the lowest mineral content. Consumption of 100g of seeds could to supply the daily intakes of some minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc. However, studies concerning to bioavailability and methods of using the seed are still necessary. Regarding to the fatty acid composition of the seeds showed a high percentage of oleic acid, ranging from 62.7 % in the seeds from Mato Grosso do Sul to 71.4 % in the seeds from Sergipe. Another fatty acid present in significant concentrations of industrial interest is the arachidonic acid, with a percentage of 6.8% (Paraná) to 8.5 % (Mato Grosso do Sul). The results indicated that the seeds of Moringa oleifera from differents regions presented different physicochemical properties and besides, the seeds can be used to obtain oil with good quality and a source of minerals.
