Properties of Kenyan grown Mondia Whytei roots

Abstract

Mondia Whytei (Asclepiadaceae) is a tropical species widely used in African countries where it is found, both at subsistence and commercial level. The species is commonly found in remaining tropical rain forests. Solar dried roots were milled as peel and core separately. The taste for the whole root powder was found to be sweeter compared to that of the peel or core alone. Mondia root Juice was prepared through simple boiling of both dry and fresh roots. Six months storage of the juice showed no fungal infestation or loss of flavour. Mondia Whytei roots showed varied significant amounts of elements and minerals. The roots had very high concentration levels of potassium and calcium ranging between 81-491 mg/100 g and 139-530 mg/100 g respectively. Iron and zinc were in low concentrations of 0.027 mg/100 g and 1.36 mg/100 g respectively. Cadmium and Lead appeared in trace amounts. Crude protein was about 3 mg/100 g, vitamin β carotene ranged from 0.5-8.2 mg/100 g. Sugars mainly fructose ranged between 215-710 mg/100 g and glucose between 110-506 mg/100 g. Results obtained showed that the roots had high potential for use as a nutritive source and as an additive in human and animal foods.