A Comparative Study on the Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Characters of Species of Amaranthus L.(Amaranthaceae) (original) (raw)
NUTRITIONAL AND ANTI-NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF SPINY AMARANTH (AMArAnthUS VIrIDIS LINN)
2011
Proximate composition, Amino acids profile, mineral content and antinutritional factors of tender leaves of Amaranthus viridis were evaluated using standard methods of analyses. The leaves had the following proximate compositions on dry weight (DW) basis: ash (21.05%), crude protein (35.11 ± 0.33%), crude lipid (5.26 ± 0.30%), crude fibre (14.04 ± 0.35%), available carbohydrate (24.54 ± 0.71%) and calorific value (530.34 ± 0.01 kcal/100g). The amino acids profile indicates that the leaves are good source of essential amino acids for adults. The leaves are rich in K, Mg, Fe, Mn and Cu when compared to their respective RDA values. Tannins (7,530.21 ± 5.21 mg/100gDW) and phytate (1,326.92 ± 16.57 mg/100gDW) were the plant’s predominant antinutrients while total oxalate (202.50 ± 6.50 mg/100gDW) and soluble oxalate (97.50 ± 3.75 mg/100gDW) were in appreciable concentration. The amounts of hydrogen cyanide (13.07 ± 2.38 mg/100gDW) and nitrate (25.35 ± 2.74 mg/100gDW) were below the criti...
Nutrient and antinutrient composition of Amaranthus muricatus
Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), 1999
The chemical and nutritional composition of the aerial parts of Amaranthus muricatus was assessed. This is a wild plant growing well in arid and poor soil, which are not suitable for cereals. The material under study was boiled, dried and ground and then evaluated for chemical, nutritional and antinutritional properties. Protein concentration of the amaranth flour was 15.74 g/100 g and total dietary fiber content was high (53.81 g/100 g), with 79% coming from insoluble dietary fiber. The calcium content was 1533 mg/100 g and the Ca/P ratio (5.94) was markedly higher than the value suggested in the 1989 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Fifty-nine percent of the fatty acids present were unsaturated with linoleic acid accounting for 40% of the total fatty acid content. Nitrate, hemagglutinin, trypsin inhibitor and saponin contents were within the non-critical values. Net protein utilization (NPU), true digestibility (tD) and biological value (BV) measurements indicated a nitrogen gain o...
Nutritional Value and Utilization of Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) – A Review
Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2014
Amaranth consists of 60-70 species, 40 of which are considered native to the Americas. They are grown in the temperate and tropical climates, and are used as grain or vegetable. They are highly nutritious, contain vitamins and minerals. The leaves, shoots, tender stems and grains are eaten as pot herb in sauces or soups, cooked with other vegetables, with a main dish or by itself. The plants are used as forage for livestock. Traditionally, the boiled leaves and roots are used as: laxative, diuretic, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, anti-snake venom, antileprotic, anti-gonorrheal, expectorant, to relieve breathing in acute bronchitis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, immunomodulatory activity, anti-androgenic activity and anthelmintic properties.
2016
Amaranth species are gaining increasing interest for human and animal nutrition, although its use is limited due to their toxic and antinutritional substances contents. The contents of toxic and antinutritionals substances (oxalates, phytates, total phenols, condensate tannins, hydrolysable tannins and cyanide) in the leaves, stems, and panicles of Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell., not yet investigated, were evaluated in both rainy and dry seasons. The plants were cultivated in El Néctar Hacienda, located in Merecure, in the municipality of Acevedo, Miranda State, Venezuela (10º31’38" N, 66º33’16" W). The concentration of oxalates, phytates, total phenols, condensate and hydrolysable tannins were determined by classic colorimetric techniques, the cyanide being determined by silver nitrate titration. The content of toxic and antinutrients in A. dubius ranged from 169.6 to 368.5 mg of oxalates.kg-1 DM, 0.771 to 7.482 mg of phytates.g-1 DM, 0.47 to 1.77 mg of total phenols.g...
Journal of Agricultural Science, 2014
Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) vegetable is widely consumed in Kenya and contributes to the alleviation of food insecurity. It is reported to have bioactive components such as antioxidants that help in protecting the body from long-term degenerative diseases. However, amaranth vegetable has also been shown to contain some anti-nutrients such as tannins, phytic acid, oxalates and nitrates which may bind nutrients and reduce their bioavailability in the body. There are many amaranth varieties and there is very little information about differences in the anti-nutrient and phytochemical levels among the varieties. The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical and anti-nutrient content of ten amaranth varieties at two growth stages, before and after flowering. The study was in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Ten amaranth varieties, eight of which are new varieties, were planted. Harvesting was done in two stages, at vegetative stage and post flowering...
The Amaranth Seeds as a Source of Nutrients and Bioactive Substances in Human Diet
2020
Amaranth is one of the oldest arable crop in the world. It was brought to Europe around the 17th century, but as an ornamental plant. It was not until the 1970s, after thorough examination of the chemical composition of amaranth seeds, in effect of which the nutritional value of this plant was rediscovered and recognized. Since then, there has been increased interest in amaranth as a ‘plant with a future’. A great deal of scientific research has been carried out, leading to recognition of its nutritional, ecological, agricultural and health-promoting values (especially for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems). Among cultivated amaranths species Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus have the highest nutritional value. However, differences in the nutrient content are also noticeable between these species. One of the attributes of this plant is the high content of highly digestible complete prot...
Determination of Proximate, Phytochemicals and Minerals Composition of Amaranthus spp
2021
Vegetables are major sources of vitamins, minerals and bioactive components such phytochemicals and antioxidant that help in reducing the risk of diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the proximate composition, phytochemical screening and mineral composition of Amaranthus spp. leaf extract. The proximate composition and phytochemical screening were determined using conventional laboratory methods while the mineral composition of the leaves was determines using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The proximate analysis of the leaf extract showed that it contains carbohydrate (48.6%), protein (18.2%), fats (5.4%), crude fibre (10.6%), moisture content (8.3%) and ash content (13.3%). The preliminary phytochemical screening of Amaranthus spp. leaf extract revealed the presence of Alkaloid, terpenoid, flavonoids, steroid, phenol, saponins and tannin. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of the extract showed that the flavonoids is the most abundant constituent in making about 1...
Journal of Cereal Science, 2018
Amaranth seeds have gained renewed interest due to the presence of encrypted peptides with several biological functions, among which the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) stands out. Amaranth seeds also contain an oily fraction rich in squalene, an unsaturated hydrocarbon, which have been attributed diverse beneficial health effects. Up to date, only cultivated species have been analyzed and no information exists about bioactive peptides and lipid composition of wild amaranths. The aim of this work was to carry out the morphological and biochemical comparison of cultivated species A. hypochondriacus (waxy and non-waxy cultivars) and A. cruentus with wild species A. powellii and A. hybridus. The highest protein and fat contents were observed in A. powellii, but A. cruentus showed the highest squalene content. The electrophoretic protein profile showed differences in protein accumulation among species. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion was used to release the encrypted peptides and their inhibitory action against DPPIV and ACE activities was evaluated. Our results showed that peptides from A. hypochondriacus cv Opaca presented the highest inhibition against both DPPIV and ACE activities. This information is valuable in order to design strategies to obtain new amaranth varieties with higher nutraceutical quality.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 36-40, December, 2022
Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) is an underutilized pseudo-cereal with excellent nutritional and functional properties. The nutritional compositions, anti-nutritional and mineral content of two Amaranth species were evaluated by using standard procedures. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for nutritional, anti-nutritional and mineral content with two treatments and five replications. The nutritional compositions of Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean scores excepting moisture content. Phytate and oxalate content of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05), but tannin content did not show a significant difference (p<0.05). The calcium, iron and zinc content of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean, scores. The Amaranth grain species were rich in crude protein, fat and fiber as compared to common cereal grains (maize, sorghum, rice, teff and wheat). A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus can contribute minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc, which are very important for human nutrition. The results of the current study indicate that A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus can provide better nutritional values and mineral content with a minimum value of antinutrients that are very important to minimize binds and block the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, zinc and calcium. Using A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus alone and with other cereals should be encouraged and recommended for consumption to increase the nutritional composition of diets and decrease food security problem in a study areas.
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2013
A few decades ago Amaranthus was rediscovered as a most promising plant genus that may provide high-quality protein, unsaturated oil, and various other valuable constituents. Since then research has focused on various Amaranthus spp. and has been rapidly expanding, and a large number of reports have been published. Several review articles focusing on different aspects, such as botanical, agrotechnological, compositional, biological, chemical, and technological properties, as well as applications and health effects, have also been published since then. This comprehensive review is focused on amaranth composition, antioxidant properties, applications, and processing. The composition includes macrocomponets (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber) and other important constituents, such as squalene, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, phytates, and vitamins. These aspects of amaranth studies have not been comprehensively reviewed for a long time.
Nutritional and chemical value of Amaranthus hybridus L. leaves from Afikpo, Nigeria
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
The nutritional and chemical value of Amaranthus hybridus were investigated using standard analytical methods in order to assess the numerous potential of the plant leaves. The Proximate analysis showed the percentage moisture content, ash content, crude protein, crude lipid, crude fibre and carbohydrate of the leaves as 84.48, 13.80, 17.92, 4.62, 8.61 and 52.18%, respectively while its calorific value is 268.92 Kcal/100 g. Elemental analysis in mg/100 g (DW) indicated that the leaves contained sodium (7.43), potassium (54.20), calcium (44.15), Magnesium (231.22), Iron (13.58), Zinc (3.80) and phosphorus (34.91). The vitamin composition of the leaves in mg/100 g (DW) was-carotene (3.29), thiamine (2.75), riboflavin (4.24), niacin (1.54), pyridoxine (2.33), ascorbic acids (25.40) and-tocopherol (0.50). Seventeen amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalmine, tyrosine, threonine, valine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, proline and serine) were detected. The chemical composition in mg/100 g (DW) for alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannins, phenols, hydrocyanic acid and phytic acid were 3.54, 0.83, 1.68, 0.49, 0.35, 16.99 and 1.32, respectively. Comparing the nutrient and chemical constituents with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values, the results reveal that the leaves contain an appreciable amount of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and phytochemicals and low levels of toxicants.
Nutrients and antinutrient constituents of Amaranthus caudatus L. Cultivated on different soils
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2020
This study investigated variations in the concentration of nutrients, antinutrients and mineral content of Amaranthus caudatus harvested from different soil types at various stages of maturity. Four out the five soils namely; sandy clay loam, silty clay loam, clayey loam and loam were experimentally formulated from primary particles of silt, clay and sand in line with the United State Department of Agriculture's (USDA) soil triangle protocol. The unfractionated soil was used as the control. After harvesting at preflowering (61 days after planting), flowering (71 days after planting) and post-flowering (91 days after planting) stages, nutrient and antinutrient analyses were carried out following Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and other referenced methods while the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer was used to determine mineral compositions of the plant samples. The results of the study revealed that particle size and physicochemical properties of the soil influenced the number of minerals deposited in plant tissues. It was further observed that the nutritional properties of the plant change as plant ages. For an optimal yield of vitamins A and E, clayey loam proved to be the best soil particularly when A. caudatus is harvested before flowering but for vitamin C, sandy clayey loam yielded the highest output at the same stage. Similarly, clayey loam and loam soils yielded the highest proximate compositions at flowering and pre-flowering; however, mineral elements (micro and macro) were highest in control and loam soils.
Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Five Grain Amaranth Species
Investigation into the antioxidant properties of plants is a very active field of research. Amaranths are underutilized pseudo-cereals with nutraceutical potentials. The phytochemical and antioxidant activity of five grain amaranth species were evaluated using standard procedures. Highest tannin content (0.14 g/100g) and Fe chelating (66.72%) capacity was recorded in Amaranthus caudatus. Amaranthus cruentus had the highest total flavonoid (9.93 mg CE/100g) content. Amaranthus Hybridus had the highest Phytate (1.58 g/100g), total polyphenol (30.79 mg GAE/100g), DPPH scavenging activity (93.35 %), ferric reducing power (0.19 g/100g), total antioxidant 199.93 mg AAE/100g) and ABTS (201.54 mmol TE/100g) content respectively. Strong correlation was observed between the phytochemicals and antioxidant tested. From the results, grain amaranth species possess antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic content. These qualities in amaranths have promising potential means of food biofortifications.
Antioxidant activity of Amaranthus species from the Amaranthaceae family À A review
Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many degenerative diseases. Antioxidant compounds can potentially be derived from plant sources. Consequently, investigations are been focused on plants as potential sources of treatments for oxidants-induced diseases. Some class of compounds that have been reported in many medicinal plants includes phenolics, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. Amaranthus belong to a more complex Amaranthaceae family and are widely used as leaf vegetables around the world. Interest has grown towards the search of Amaranthus species as potential sources of antioxidants. Hypothesis: Compounds that can break the chain reaction initiated by reactive oxygen species are vital in treating and preventing disease caused by ROS. Method: In this review, we did a comprehensive literature search on research articles published on the antioxidant activity of some Amaranthus species and in-vitro antioxidant assays. Results: To establish the antioxidant potential of a plant, researchers customarily used more than a single evaluation method. Remarkable success has however been made using different evaluation methods in establishing the radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of some Amaranthus species. Some of the conventional methods enumerated in this write-up assessed the antioxidant activity by monitoring the radical scavenging activity of the plant extracts. Conclusions: The antioxidant activity of the Amaranthus family has been reported to contribute largely to the various medicinal values. This review further outlined the antioxidant properties of Amaranthus species visa-vis their health benefits.
Effect of Various Process Conditions on the Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds of Amaranth
Nutritional Value of Amaranth [Working Title]
Amaranth is a pseudocereal with unique nutritional and nutraceutical profiles. Typically, the amaranth grain is consumed after some process such as cooking in water, popping, or extrusion which has been mentioned to affect the nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics. In this chapter, we will analyze the changes in amaranth grain on bioactive compounds (total phenolic content) and nutritional and nutraceutical properties (antioxidant activities) subjected to different processes. It has been shown that phytochemical and nutritional contents of amaranth grain provide health benefits such as antioxidant activity, anti-allergic action, antianemic effect, anticancer activity, and antihypertensive effect, besides the capacity of decreasing plasma levels, stimulating the immune system, and reducing blood glucose levels.
Nutritional and Antinutritional Composition of Vegetable and Grain Amaranth Leaves
Journal of the Science of Food and …, 1991
Objectives: The nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of Lantana camara leaf were investigated. Levels of nutrients like the crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, mineral and anti-nutrients like phytate, tannins and oxalate were determined. Methods: The nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of L. camara leaf were investigated using standard methods. Results: The results of the proximate analysis showed that the crude protein content was the highest among other components with the value of 24.84±0.51 (%) while the crude fat gives the least value which is 2.99±0.01 (%). Other components are moisture content, 10.15±0.57 (%), crude fibre, 16.41±0.58 (%) and ash, 10.77±0.43 (%). The mineral analysis has potassium with the highest concentration of 1.05±0.03 ppm while phosphorus was the least with 0.07±0.01 ppm. Other minerals are calcium (0.54±0.01 ppm), manganese (0.99±0.02 ppm), sulphur (0.73±0.03 ppm), iron (0.84±0.01 ppm), magnesium (0.43±0.03 ppm) and copper (0.53±0.01 ppm). Zinc was not detected. The anti-nutrients detected include phytate, 41.06 mg/100g, tannins, 3.35 mg/100g and oxalate, 280.75 mg/100g. Conclusion: It is considered that L. camara could be a very good source of protein and minerals in animal diets, if well processed, to reduce or eliminate the anti-nutritional factors.
Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) vegetable is widely consumed in Kenya and contributes to the alleviation of food insecurity. It is reported to have bioactive components such as antioxidants that help in protecting the body from long-term degenerative diseases. However, amaranth vegetable has also been shown to contain some anti-nutrients such as tannins, phytic acid, oxalates and nitrates which may bind nutrients and reduce their bioavailability in the body. There are many amaranth varieties and there is very little information about differences in the anti-nutrient and phytochemical levels among the varieties. The objective of this study was to determine the phytochemical and anti-nutrient content of ten amaranth varieties at two growth stages, before and after flowering. The study was in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Ten amaranth varieties, eight of which are new varieties, were planted. Harvesting was done in two stages, at vegetative stage and post flowering stage. The leaves were analyzed for nitrates, vitamin C, total carotenoids, flavonoids and total antioxidant activity. Results showed decrease in nitrates which reduced by about 40% as the plants matured. The leaves also increased antioxidant activity as the plants matured with the concentration equivalent (IC 50 ) with DPPH of 2 mg/mL at vegetative stage and about 1mg/mL after flowering. In conclusion, as the plants grow older, there was an increased accumulation of anti-nutrient and other plant chemicals. Antioxidant activity is however increased.
Amaranth Seeds and Products – The Source of Bioactive Compounds
Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 2014
In recent years, new products obtained from amaranth seeds have entered the food market including expanded "popping" seeds and fl akes. Lipids and biologically-active substances dissolved in these products are susceptible to changes. Additionally, due to the fact that fat quality has high dietary importance, there is a need to conduct detailed quality and quantity studies on the lipid composition of Amaranthus cruentus.
Journal of Cereal Science, 2009
The demand for food is increasing, not only to meet food security for growing populations, but also to provide more nutritious food, rich in good quality proteins and nutraceutical compounds. The amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) plant, in addition to its high nutritive and nutraceutical characteristics, has excellent agronomic features. The objective of the present study was to analyze some physical and proximal-nutritional properties of amaranth seeds obtained from different varieties grown in arid zones and characterize their phenolic acids and flavonoids. Two commercial (Tulyehualco and Nutrisol) and two new (DGETA and Gabriela) varieties of A. hypochondriacus were grown at the Mexican Highlands zone. Tulyehualco and DGETA varieties had higher seed yield of 1475 and 1422 kg ha À1 , respectively, comparable to corn and soybean production in agricultural areas. Gabriela had the highest protein content of 17.3%, but all varieties had an adequate balance of essential amino acids. Polyphenols as rutin (4.0-10.2 mg g À1 flour) and nicotiflorin (7.2-4.8 mg g À1 flour) were detected. Amaranth can be cultivated in arid zones where commercial crops cannot be grown; the seeds besides their well known nutritive characteristics could be a source of phenolic compounds of high antioxidant properties.
Characterization and Nutritive Values of Amaranth Seeds
Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology
Backgrounds: Amaranthus have small lenticular seeds with a curved embryo that surrounds a starchy perisperm and with a seed coat whose color varies among black, brown, yellow and cream-white the present investigation was carried out to analyze the physico-chemical properties and nutritional composition of amaranth. Methodology: Amaranth grains were procured from the Medicinal Aromatic and Underutilized Plant Section, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. Amaranth flour was assessed for its physico-chemical properties and nutrient composition. Results: Results on physico-chemical properties revealed that bulk density of amaranth flour was 6.06 g/ml, water absorption capacity 9.40 ml/g and fat absorption capacity 58.16%. Swelling capacity of amaranth was 2.54 ml/g. The results of proximate composition revealed that amaranth flour had 10.33% moisture. 14.29% protein, 5.80% fat, 2.84% ash and 4.91% crude fibre. Alb...