LEAF PROTEIN

This study investigated the extraction and evaluation of Leaf Protein Concentrate (LPC) produced from Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves using three processing techniques: Heat Coagulation, Alum Precipitation and Acid Coagulation. The research aimed to compare the effects of these extraction methods on the Physical characteristics, Proximate composition, Mineral profile and Phytochemical constituents of the resulting concentrates. Standard laboratory procedures were employed for all analyses. The LPCs obtained from the three methods were dark green when fresh but turned blackish upon drying, indicating chlorophyll degradation during processing. Among the extraction techniques, the Acid Coagulation method yielded the highest Crude Protein value (33.84%), demonstrating its superior efficiency in protein recovery. Alum Precipitation recorded the highest Ash (7.50%) and Crude Fibre (13.33%) contents, suggesting higher mineral and structural residue retention. Heat Coagulation produced the highest Ether Extract (38.33%) and maintained better mineral preservation. Potassium was the most abundant mineral detected, with the highest concentration (231.67 mg/kg) observed in the Heat-treated LPC, while sodium recorded the least concentration (0.01 mg/kg). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, coumarins and cardiac glycosides in varying concentrations across treatments. These bioactive components indicate potential antioxidant, antimicrobial and functional benefits. Based on the findings, the Acid Coagulation technique is most effective for enhancing protein recovery from Oil Palm leaves, while Heat Coagulation is more suitable for retaining lipid and mineral components. Overall, Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Leaf Protein Concentrate presents a promising, low-cost and underutilized source of plant protein and minerals for animal feed formulation and other nutritional applications.

This study examined the Extraction of Leaf Protein Concentrates (LPC) from Irvingia gabonensis (Bush Mango) leaves using three different methods: Heat Coagulation, Alum Precipitation, and Acid Coagulation to evaluate their effects on the Physical Properties, Nutritional Composition, and Phytochemical Constituents of the products. Fresh Leaves collected from a part of Edo State were processed into a Slurry, and the resulting LPC and Bagasse were analyzed for Proximate, Mineral, and Phytochemical Contents using Standard Laboratory Procedures (AOAC, 2019). Results showed that the Extraction Method significantly influenced the quality and Nutrient Content of the LPC. The Alum Precipitation method produced the highest Crude Protein (32.95%) and ash (8.50%) values, while the Acid Coagulation method gave the highest Moisture (20.20%) and Carbohydrate (45.54%) levels.

This study was carried out to develop feed grades (25% 50%, 75%), from Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. LAM) leaf protein concentrate and peeled tubers. The leaf protein concentrate was extracted using heat coagulation method, while the peeled potato tubers were thoroughly dried before grinding. Both products were reconstituted with a known volume of water and then left to dry before being subjected to analysis for some chemical composition. The proximate and mineral compositions were significantly different across the treatments (p <0.05). The dry matter of the 100SPLPC was 90.25%, which was not significantly different from 89.86% for 100PT (p > 0.05). The crude protein of 100SPLPC was revealed to be significantly higher (39.84%) than that of 100PT (p <0.05). The crude fibre of 100SPLPC was significantly lower (1.11%) than 100PT (7.93%). Ether extract content was higher in 100SPLPC (9.93%) than in 100PT (5.30%). 100PT also revealed a higher ash content (8.37%) than 100SPLPC (5.83%) at p < 0.05. The NFE content of 100SPLPC was significantly lower (43.29%) than that of 100PT at p < 0.05. The minerals, Ca, K, P, Na, Mg, Zn, Mn and Fe were found to be significantly higher in the peeled tuber than the leaf protein concentrate (p < 0.05), hence justifying the inclusion of the peeled tuber to the diet. Sweet potato leaf protein concentrate and peeled tuber have the potential to be used as a feed resource in the livestock industry.