Nutritive and biocidal properties of agroforestry trees of Moringa oleifera Lam., Cassia fistula L., and Ceratonia siliqua L. as non-conventional edible vegetable oils

Abstract

Fodder trees are commonly used as food supplements during periods of food shortage for animal feed, because their a reasonable amounts of proteins, oils, fatty acids and carbohydrates. Resulted secondary compounds such as phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and essential oils play an important role as antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Oils from Moringa oleifera seeds and fruits of Cassia fistula and Ceratonia siliqua were extracted using n-hexane. Good physicochemical properties were observed in M. oleifera oil. High essential fatty acids in C. fistula oil contained Omega 6/omega 3 (WHO 5:10) (9.83%). In terms of oil bioactivity, positive antibacterial activity was found against the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed resistance to the oils. Moderate antioxidant activity was observed against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay comparing with two reference standards (butylated hydroxy toluene BHT, and Vitamin C). The phytochemical compounds identified in the oils, especially in the agroforestry tree M. oleifera, are recommended as commercial ingredient formulations for human and animal feed additive and healthy.