Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf): Unprecedented Desert Nutraceutical

Document Type : Abstract

Author

Director Environment laboratory, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background and aim: Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf) is an integral part of the cultural heritage of United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to natural desert ecology. It is not well known as a rich and sustainable source of protein for many people in the world. It emphasis on its broad food and non[1]food applications, nutritional values and health benefits. The Ghaf plant is a keystone species having multiple beneficial uses from combating desertification and improving soil fertility in arid environments to being an essential food source, as well as a source of fuel, shelter and medicine for both humans and animal species. The present research work, describes nutritional value of Ghaf. Materials and methods: The leaves were washed and transferred into sterile mortar pestle and then grounded and a clear fine solution was prepared. Filtered sample was used for nutrient analysis by Hatch spectrophotometer –DR3900. Results: Nutritional analysis shows that it as a good source of proteins and minerals like sulphate (5.1 mg/g), magnesium (0.1371 mg/g), calcium (0.4363 mg/g), phosphorous (0.34 mg/g), nitrate (1.35 mg/g), Iron (0.01878 mg/g) and potassium (0.5035 mg/g). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that P. cineraria leaves can be used as nutraceutical food with rich nutrition, disease prevention and health promoting effects. This research was carried out as an awareness of nutrition value of ghaf plant as nutraceutical. We need to spread awareness on the importance of Ghaf tree and the role they played in the functioning of a healthy ecosystem and thereby protecting the species from extinction.

Keywords


Volume 1, Issue 3
(Special Issue: papers selected from ICLS22, Istanbul, Turkey)
  • Receive Date: 04 October 2022
  • Revise Date: 08 October 2022
  • Accept Date: 14 October 2022