Exploring the Functional Properties of Organ Powders from Corchorus olitorius and Abelmoschus esculentus in Chronic Disease Management

Abstract

Aims: To determine the functional properties of Abelmoschus esculentus (AE) and Corchorus olitorius (CO) leaf and fruit powders and their relationship with antioxidant activity and essential nutrients. Methodology: Fresh leaves and fruits of these plants were harvested and processed into powders. Functional properties such as oil absorption capacity (OAC), water absorption capacity (WAC), solubility index (WSI), and porosity were evaluated. Data on nutritional composition and antioxidant activities were obtained from previous studies. Results: It was found that the fruit powders of CO and the leaf powders of AE exhibited the highest mean OAC values of 413.42 ± 2.47 and 342.60 ± 3.04%, respectively. The fruit powders of CO and AE presented high true WAC values of 84.38 ± 0.25 and 81.87 ± 0.31%, high water solubility index (WSI) values of 75.71 ± 1.04 and 66.23 ± 3.76%, and high porosity values of 0.33 ± 0.01 and 0.49 ± 0.01%, respectively. These functional properties of the powders were associated with their antioxidant activity and essential nutrient content. Three distinct powder groups emerged: fruit powders of CO and leaf powders of AE; leaf powders of CO; and fruit powders of AE. These powders exhibited low, moderate, and high antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), respectively. The powders in the first group, rich in energy and crude fiber but low in polyphenols, were associated with high OAC values. Those in the second group, rich in essential nutrients and polyphenols, were associated with high WAC and WSI values, while the powders in the third group, rich in minerals and flavonoids, were associated with high WAC, WSI, and porosity values. Conclusion: The fruit powder of AE, followed by the leaf powder of CO, with significant antioxidant activity, appears to be the most suitable for use as dietary supplement powders in the management of chronic diseases.