M. oleifera leaves contain high levels of lipids; among minerals,
iron is prominent, and the main identified carotenoids are b-carotene
and lutein. Low levels of antinutritional substances were
found in the leaves, allowing its nutritional intake. Although M.
oleifera leaves contain considerable amounts of crude protein,
these are mostly insoluble and have low in vitro digestibility, even
after heat treatment and chemical attack. Thus, in vivo studies are
needed to better assess whether these leaves should be used as a
protein source in human diet.