NUTRITIONAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SOUMBARA (Parkia biglobosa) SEEDS POWDER AND Moringa oleifera LEAF FORMULATIONS

Background: In the face of the numerous nutrition and public health problems experienced in many parts of the world, particularly in the poorest regions, food formulation is an excellent means of enhancing the nutritional value of foodstuffs and preventing certain pathologies. Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to determine the biochemical and phytochemical composition and nutritional value of the formulations of Neré soumbara and Moringa oleifera leaves. Materials and Methods: The different formulations were produced from powder from Néré (Parkia Biglobosa) and powder from leaves of Moringa oleifera. Results: The results obtained revealed that the formulations made from Néré soumbara and Moringa oleifera leaves have a very appreciable nutritional potential. Thus the content of fat, protein, fiber, iron, and calcium was between 3.49 and 37.95%; 31.67 and 36.56%; 10.32 and 13.54%; 11.37 and 172.56% and 1123.31 and 1586.73%, respectively. The content of total flavonoids, condensed tannins, and total polyphenols was respectively between 4.66 and 37.22 mg/g EQ ; between 3.20 and 7.17 mgEC/gMS; and between 53.42 and 102.14 mgEAG/MS. In addition, all the formulations showed high antioxidant activity, with values between 82.44% and 83.36%. Microbiological analysis during storage at ambient temperature revealed that the formulations were of acceptable quality according to Directive 2005/2073/EC on microbiological criteria for foodstuffs. Furthermore, statistical analyses showed significant differences (P<0.05) between the formulations. Conclusion: From all the formulations analyzed, S20M80 and S30M70 had the highest levels of nutrients and phytochemicals.