Micronutrient analysis of pumpkins leaves (C. maxima, C. moschata, C. pepo and a gourd Lageneria) for food security and disease eradication
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Date
2013
Authors
Ondigi, Alice N.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
OMICS Publishing Group
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The percentage daily allowance values indicate that pumpkins are useful sources of micronutrients.
Consumption of fruits, seeds and leaves can evidently address micronutrient deficiencies arising from poverty. In order to
promote health and food security, the study was set out to determine the Micronutrient levels in pumpkin leaves grown in East
Africa Lake basin.
Methodology: Fresh leaves were collected from each growing variety, washed with distilled water, cut and before crushed in a
motor and pestle to obtain samples used in the extraction. Standards were run at the same time as extracts. Calibration curves
were drawn and used to determine concentrations in each case.
Results: Three species of pumpkins were found to be grown by households within the lake Victoria Basin. A HPLC and AAS
analysis of the leaves for micronutrients showed that the levels of B- complex, vitamin C and iron differed significantly. The
banana variety leaves were superior as compared to others in most of the micronutrients analyzed.
Conclusions: There is need to promote growth of some varieties like banana squash while targeting their leaves and carnival
squash, valenciano and green kabacha for fruit production based on high yielding ability under the conditions in the study area
Description
2nd International Conference and Exhibition on
Nutritional Science & Therapy July 15-17, 2013 Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, USA
Keywords
Citation
J Nutr Food Sci 2013, 3:4