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Identification of sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas) as an excellent source of lutein |
A. KHACHATRYAN1, R. R. Bansode1, D. R. Labonte2, and J. N. Losso1. (1) Dept. of Food Science, Louisiana State Univ. Agricultural Center, 111 Food Science Bldg., Baton Rouge, LA 70803-4200, (2) Dept. of Horticulture, Louisiana State Univ. Agricultural Center, 137 Julian C. Miller Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803-2120 Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a pathological condition with real cure. Risk factors for macular degeneration include age of 75°Þ 5, diabetes and all its complications (hypertension, retinopathy, arteriosclerosis), smoking, chronic sunlight exposure, nutritional deficiencies, and blue/green eyes. As standard for macular degeneration therapies are limited, costly, and often associated with undesirable pathological side effects, the role of nutrition in protecting against degenerative diseases is intensively under scientific consideration. Lutein (3,3'-dihydroxy-a-carotene) has been identified as a dietary strategy that can delay the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Major sources of lutein are green vegetables and marigold flower. However, available food sources of lutein contain little amount of lutein and consumption of large quantities of food would be required to meet the suggested daily requirement for lutein. Food fortification with lutein extract has been identified as a low budget prescription to prevent the onset and/or progression of AMD. Sweet potato roots are known for the high content of beta-carotene. However, sweet potato leaves have no economical value and are discarded following sweet potato harvest. The objective of this study was to measure the concentration of lutein in sweet potato leaves as a potential inexpensive source of lutein. Five varieties of sweet potato leaves, namely Beauregard, Tanzania, 94-96, Jonathan, and Webaligae were analyzed for lutein content. The extracted lutein was analyzed by HPLC using a YMC C30 column. Lutein concentration in sweet potato leaves were: 54 mg/100 mg; 60-68 mg/100 g; 53 mg/100 g; 34 mg/100 g; and 42-46 mg/100 g, respectively. Beta-carotene did not interfere with lutein analysis. These values rank sweet potato leaves second in lutein content after marigold flowers, and number one among edible vegetables. Sweet potato leaves may help in the fight against AMD.
Session 88, Nutraceuticals & Functional Foods: General
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