Evaluation of Nutrient, Antinutrient and Phytochemical Properties of Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia); (Concentrate, Pulp, And Seed) (P10-047-19)
Abstract Objectives Available data on the Nutrient properties of Noni Fruit (concentrate, pulp and seed) is very limited. Noni plant is a small evergreen tree, used for both medicinal purposes and for food. This study assessed the nutrients, ant nutrients and phytochemical properties of Noni Concentrate, Pulp, and seed. Methods 6 kg of matured, ripe noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia), was harvested from the Farm, cleaned, and divided into three equal portions. One portion was crushed to extract the Noni pulp, which was packaged in an air tight container and kept for analysis. The second portion was processed with the aid of a juice extractor. The concentrate was extracted and stored in a clean dry container for analysis. The third portion was crushed to select the seed, which was grounded to fine powder and packaged for analysis. The data obtained was subjected to various statistical methods which included simple descriptive Statistics. Results The proximate composition of Noni seed, pulp and concentrate showed that the seed had the highest protein content (4.53%) in relation to pulp (0.04%) and concentrate (0.002%). The seed had 28.7% crude fibre value, while pulp and concentrate had 0.03% and 1.95% respectively. The carbohydrate content of the pulp was observed to be the lowest (2.36%), in relation to seed (55.45%) and concentrate (5.88%). The crude fat content of the pulp (3.98%) and concentrate (2.99%) were higher than the seed (2.00%). The vitamin A value of Noni seed (0.37mg@g) was lower than the concentrate (0.435mg@g) and pulp (0.53mg@g). The Tannin content of Noni seed (0.27%) was higher than the pulp (0.22%) and concentrate (0.23%). The results of the flavonoids showed seeds (8.55%), pulp (2.97%) and concentrate (2.57%). The potassium content of the pulp (11.8 mg/100 g) was higher than the concentrate (8.07 mg/100 g) and seed (0.26 mg/100 g). The sodium content of the seed (0.40 mg/100 g) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the pulp (0.20 mg/100 g) and concentrate (0.11 mg/100 g). The pulp had the highest Magnesium value (0.82 mg/100 g) in relation to the seed (0.37 mg/100 g) and concentrate (0.51 mg/100 g). Conclusions The high fibre value and phenolic compounds found in Noni seed makes it a functional food with high Nutritional standing. Funding Sources Research was funded by the two Authors and Mr Oliver Alawuba.