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Alpha-tocopherol content in 62 edible tropical plants
1Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang Selangor, Malaysia.
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
|June 21, 2001
Summary
This study quantified alpha-tocopherol (a form of Vitamin E) in various plants using high-performance liquid chromatography. Sauropus androgynus leaves contained the highest vitamin E levels, while some plants showed no detectable amounts.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Botany
Background:
- Vitamin E is a crucial fat-soluble antioxidant.
- Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of Vitamin E.
- Dietary intake of Vitamin E is essential for human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare alpha-tocopherol content in a diverse range of edible plants.
- To identify plant sources rich in alpha-tocopherol.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for precise alpha-tocopherol determination.
- Multiple plant species, including leaves, shoots, and fruits, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in alpha-tocopherol content were observed across the tested plants (p < 0.05).
- Sauropus androgynus leaves exhibited the highest alpha-tocopherol concentration (426.8 mg/kg), followed by Citrus hystrix leaves (398.3 mg/kg).
- Alpha-tocopherol was not detected in Brassica oleracea, Phaeomeria speciosa, Pachyrrhizus speciosa, Pleurotus sajor-caju, and Solanum melongena.
Conclusions:
- Edible plants represent a variable but significant source of dietary alpha-tocopherol.
- Sauropus androgynus and Citrus hystrix are identified as exceptionally rich sources of this essential vitamin.
- Further research into the bioavailability and health benefits of alpha-tocopherol from these plant sources is warranted.