Development of functional powder from dragon fruit and taro leaves

Abstract

The present work was undertaken with the objective of development of functional (nutritional) powder by using dragon fruit and taro leaves. Taking into consideration therapeutic and nutritional value of dragon fruit and taro leaves were decided into the preparation of functional powder. Dragon fruit powder and taro leaves powder were prepared by freeze drying and tray drying respectively. The level of dragon fruit powder and taro leaves powder was optimized RSM through. The Functional powder containing 80.68% Dragon fruit powder, 7.67% Taro leave powder and 20% Sugar was acceptable on sensory basis and showed a good antioxidant properties. The selected concentration was evaluated for sensory analysis, and physico-chemical. The Functional powder contains vitamin C, minerals, fibers and valuable bioactive compounds. Functional powder has major active constituents like protein (19.34/100g), carbohydrate (74.67/100 g), ash content is 1.16 (w/w), crude fiber (4.98/100g), Vitamin C (8.5mg/100g), polyphenols (178.06 ug/ml), Flavonoids (225.62 ug/ml). These powder possess various activities such as, antioxidant, anticancer, antifungal, curing of various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, Coronary heart disease etc. Thus it can be recommended that Functional powder can be potentially used to improve health condition. It indicates that Functional powder should be further investigated in terms of possible applications in developing functional and nutritional food products.