Determination of Mineral Elements in Morinda citrifolia L.

Key words: 
• flame atomic absorption spectrometry /
• Morinda citrifolia L. /
• mineral element /
• determination

Abstract: The fruit flesh,leaves,freeze-dried powder of fruit,and fermented fruit juice of Noni（ Morinda citrifolia L.） were determined in terms of mineral elements,K,Ca,Na,Mg,Fe,Zn and Mn,by using Air-acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrometry. These elements had a recovery rate ranging from 94% to 107. 2%. Noni was found to contain high K,Ca,Zn,Fe and Mn. In the fruit flesh K content was the highest,upto 24 215. 81μg·g^-1 while the Na content was relatively lower,only 789. 4 μg·g^-1. Noni is hence a typical low-sodium and highpotassium food with high healthcare value. The leaves contained higher elements except K than the fruit flesh,especially Fe,Zn and Mn,and hence have a good value for development. The freeze-dried fruit powder contained similar elements to the fruit flesh. The fermented fruit juice contained elements proportionate to the fruit flesh of the same variety of Noni,and the content of the elements was found to meet the needs of human being.