Proximate analysis of Talinum triangulare (water leaf) leaves and its softening principle

The proximate analysis of Talinum triangulare was carried out in both wet and dry conditions respectively. The results revealed the presence of carbohydrates (10.87±3.99 mg/g and 12.38±2.76 mg/g), steroids (106.61±2.53 mg/100mg and 11.37±1.19 mg/100g), protein (3.52±0.32% and 18.75±2.72%), oil content (3.52% and 1.44%), b-Carotene (114.5±1.49 mg/g and 40.02±0.50 mg/g) and crude fibre (12.00% and 8.50%) in dry and wet samples respectively. The wet sample was assayed for pectinases at various temperatures. This revealed the presence of pectinases with specific activities of 38.64 units/kg protein, 55.44 units/kg protein, 61.14 units/kg protein and 62.09 units/kg protein at 35, 55, 75 and 95°C respectively. These results indicate that the leaves contain an appreciable amount of nutrients and should be included in our meal for a balanced diet. The high amount of pectinases detected lends credence to the traditional use of water leaf as a softener of other vegetables species and a possible industrial application. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2010.