Phytonutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Some Fruit Tree Leaves
Keywords:
fig, mulberry, leaves, unconventional sources, nutrients.Abstract
Fruit tree leaves are increasingly gaining attention in the context of the circular economy and the valorization of unconventional nutrient sources. Current research focuses on identifying valuable nutrient sources to supplement monogastric diets. Fig (Ficus carica L.) leaves and black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) leaves offer an alternative for this purpose. This study aimed to compare the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of these unconventional materials for potential application in monogastric nutrition. The proximate composition, mineral content, total polyphenols, xanthophylls and tocopherols and antioxidant activity (DPPH method) were determined. The results indicated that fig leaves had significant concentrations of crude protein and ash, while black mulberry leaves were rich in crude fiber and fat. Additionally, black mulberry leaves contained twice the amount of iron and higher levels of tocopherols compared to fig leaves. Conversely, fig leaves were richer in xanthophylls than mulberry leaves. The analysis of the polyphenolic profile identified 19 different compounds, with 3-hydroxybenzoic acid and rutin being the dominant compounds in fig leaves (5.92 mg/g). In contrast, chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid were the most abundant in mulberry leaves (7.99 mg/g). The DPPH assay revealed that mulberry leaves had a higher antioxidant capacity through free radical scavenging compared to fig leaves. Overall, the results demonstrate that black mulberry leaves could be a valuable source of phytonutrients with strong antioxidant activity, with potential use in monogastric nutrition.
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