Effect of partial substitution of wheat flour with Moringa oleifera leaf powder on physical, nutritional, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of cookies

Abstract

Abstract Background Moringa oleifera leaf is a prominent leaf in folk medicine used to treat many diseases including diabetes mellitus. This study is aimed at determining the effects of substitution of wheat flour with Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on physical, nutritional, bioactive, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of cookies. Wheat flour was substituted with MOLP (2.5%, 5% and 10%) in the baking of the cookies (C1, C2 and C3, respectively), and its effects were evaluated on proximate, bioactive compounds, antioxidant, physical and inhibitory properties against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes using standard methods. Also, sensory attributes of the cookies were determined using 9-point hedonic point. Results The results showed thickness were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced while diameter and spread ratio of the cookies increased as the level of MOLP increases. The inclusion of MOLP in the cookies led to significant (p < 0.05) enhancement in the bioactive compound, antioxidant and inhibitory properties of MOLP-substituted cookies. Also protein, ash, fat and fibre contents were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in MOLP-substituted cookies while carbohydrate and energy value reduced. The sensory evaluation revealed that MOLP-substituted cookies at the level of 2.5% were more acceptable than other MOLP-substituted cookies. Conclusion With the higher bioactive, antioxidant and inhibitory abilities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes and enhanced protein content of MOLP-substituted cookies, MOLP poses as a potential functional ingredient in baking of cookies.