The estimation of protein contents from selected weeds and herbs

A study was done to estimate protein content of ten selected weeds and herbs at the Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus. The protein values of wide range of weeds including Amaranthus viridis, Ipomoea aquatica, Peperomia pellucida, Lemna minor, Asystasia gangetica, Plantago major, Persicaria chinensis, Andrographis paniculata, Cosmos caudatus and Centella asiatica were determined. The protein analysis was done by using the kjedahl method to determine nitrogen content and amount of crude protein contents was calculated by multiplying with nitrogen-protein conversion factor. Ipomoea aquatica and Amaranthus viridis were found to contain high protein contents which are 22.10% and 20.27%, respectively. Those weeds should be tested for human consumption as cooked food like sensory test to determine it possibilities to be alternative protein sources.