ABSTRACT

This research was conducted to determine some phytochemicals and functional properties of pawpaw (Carica papaya) leaf protein concentrates obtained from three locations in Edo State, Nigeria. Pawpaw leaves were obtained from the Osasogie, Egor L.G.A (location A), Ekosodin, Ovia North East L.G.A (location B) and Akpakpava Road, Oredo L.G.A (location C), and they were processed into leaf protein concentrates and Bagasse in triplicates using heat coagulation method. The resultant pawpaw leaf protein concentrates (PLPC) and Bagasse were analyzed for their phytochemical, proximate and mineral compositions. The results from the phytochemical analysis for Pawpaw Leaf Protein Concentrate and Bagasse showed that Tannin, Alkaloid, Saponin, Phenol and Flavonoid were present in Pawpaw LPC in all three locations. Saponin, Alkaloid, Phenol and Flavonoid was high in location C in the pawpaw LPC.

From the results, the yield from the location A was 4.75%, from location B was 4.48% and location C was 3.34%. The physical properties of the LPC obtained from the three locations were similar, from being green, smooth and semi-solid when fresh to being dark green smooth and solid after being sundried.

The minerals calcium magnesium, phosphorus, iron and manganese were higher in the papaw LPC than in the bagasse, but the minerals sodium and magnesium were higher in the LPC than in the bagasse.