Formulation and Nutritional Evaluation of Herbal Moringa-Based Protein Shake Powder

Proteins are very important for our body. They are needed for growth and for repairing body tissues. Proteins help in muscle development and also play an important role in the production of enzymes and hormones. They support the immune system and help the body perform many essential functions. Without enough protein, the body cannot function properly.(1)

In recent years, many people have started using protein supplements, including athletes, gym-goers, older adults, and health-conscious individuals. They use these supplements to stay fit and maintain a healthy diet.(2)

Many protein powders available in the market are made from whey, casein, soy, or other ingredients that help improve nutrition. However, some of these powders contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other additives that may not be good for health.(3) Some people may also experience problems due to lactose intolerance or allergies.(4) In addition, these protein powders can be expensive. Because of this, many people are now looking for plant-based alternatives that are safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly.(5) Plant-based protein powders are becoming increasingly popular, especially among people who do not consume meat. They also contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that are beneficial for health.(5)

One such beneficial plant is Moringa oleifera. It is widely grown in countries such as India, parts of Africa, and Southeast Asia.(6) Different parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, flowers, and pods, are used for food and medicinal purposes.(7) Among these, the leaves are considered the most nutritious because they are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.(8) Moringa leaves contain a high amount of plant protein and essential amino acids that help the body grow and repair itself.(9) The leaves can be processed into a powder and used as a nutritional supplement.(3) Moringa is also a good source of iron, calcium, and other important minerals. Iron supports healthy blood formation, while calcium helps maintain strong bones.(10) Moringa also contains antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful substances.(11) It is rich in compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help keep the body healthy and may reduce the risk of diseases.(4)

The aim of this study is to develop a moringa-based protein shake powder that is natural, nutritious, and affordable. The formulation will use plant-based ingredients to provide proteins, nutrients, and antioxidants. This protein shake powder can support overall health and encourage healthy eating habits.

2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Aim:

The aim of this study is to develop herbal protein shake powder using Moringa oleifera as the main ingredient. The formulation is intended to provide a nutritious and affordable source of protein along with improved health benefits and antioxidant properties.

2. Objectives:

• To prepare herbal protein shake powder using plant-based ingredients — To develop a protein supplement using Moringa oleifera leaf powder along with other nutritious ingredients to obtain a balanced formulation.
• To improve the nutritional value of the formulation — The formulation is designed to provide higher amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health and nutritional requirements.
• To evaluate the organoleptic properties of the prepared formulation — The protein shake powder will be assessed for parameters such as colour, odour, taste, texture, and solubility to determine its quality and acceptability.
• To analyze the nutritional composition of the formulation — The nutritional content, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, and moisture, will be evaluated to determine the nutritional value of the product.
• To develop herbal nutritional supplement — To formulate a cost-effective and natural protein supplement that can serve as an alternative to synthetic protein powders available in the market.
• To explore the health benefits of moringa-based supplements — To utilize the antioxidant and nutritional properties of Moringa oleifera and develops a functional health supplement suitable for regular consumption.

3. LITERATURE REVIEW:

Moringa oleifera is a highly nutritious plant that is often referred to as the “miracle tree” because of its wide range of health benefits.(12) Studies have shown that almost every part of the plant, including its leaves, seeds, and flowers, is edible and possesses medicinal properties.(13) In recent years, there has been growing interest in Moringa oleifera due to the increasing demand for plant-based and health-promoting foods.(14)

The leaves of Moringa oleifera are considered highly nutritious because they contain significant amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.(15) Researchers have reported that the leaves are rich in essential amino acids and other nutrients required for growth and overall health.(15) The seeds of the plant also contain a high amount of protein, making them valuable for nutritional applications.(7) Because of its rich nutritional profile, Moringa oleifera is increasingly being used in the development of protein-rich and functional food products.(6)

Figure 1: Moringa oleifera leaves

Several studies suggest that Moringa oleifera may help address malnutrition, particularly in developing countries where access to nutritious food is limited.(16) Due to its high nutritional value, the leaves are commonly used to improve the diets of children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals.(16) Daily consumption of moringa has been associated with improved nutritional status because it provides essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and other important minerals.(13)

With the growing preference for plant-based diets, there has been an increased demand for plant-derived protein sources.(17) Plant proteins are considered environmentally sustainable and are suitable for vegetarians and individuals seeking healthier dietary options.(18) Research indicates that plant proteins can contribute to improved strength, health, and overall well-being. This has increased the popularity of Moringa oleifera as a valuable plant-based protein source.(17)

In addition to its nutritional value, Moringa oleifera is also rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and various diseases.(19) The leaves contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute to its antioxidant activity.(20) These antioxidants play an important role in maintaining health and reducing the risk of illness.(15) Studies have demonstrated that moringa possesses strong antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for regular consumption.(19)

Researchers are also exploring the use of Moringa oleifera in the preparation of functional foods and nutritional supplements.(6) The protein obtained from moringa is suitable for the formulation of products such as protein powders and herbal health supplements.(19) Its natural origin and nutritional benefits have further increased interest in its use as an herbal ingredient.(12)

However, some studies have reported the presence of antinutritional factors in Moringa oleifera, such as tannins and phytates, which may interfere with nutrient absorption.(7) Proper processing methods can help reduce these compounds and improve the safety and nutritional quality of the plant for consumption.(21)

Recent research highlights Moringa oleifera as a promising ingredient for the development of herbal protein supplements because it is nutritious, rich in antioxidants, affordable, and plant-based. Thus, the study focuses on exploring the use of moringa in the formulation of a protein shake powder that can support health and nutrition.

4. MONOGRAPH OF MORINGA OLEIFERA:

• Botanical name: Moringa oleifera Lam.
• Synonyms: Moringa pterygosperma
• Common names: Miracle tree, Sahjan (India), Drumstick tree, Horseradish tree.
• Biological source: Moringa oleifera consists of the fresh or dried leaves, seeds, bark, roots, flowers, and pods of Moringa oleifera Lam.
• Family: Moringaceae
• Chemical Constituents: Major phytochemicals present in moringa are —

• Alkaloids — Moringinine
• Flavonoids — Quercetin, Kaempferol
• Phenolic compounds — Chlorogenic acid
• Vitamins — Vitamin A, C and E
• Minerals — Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium
• Other constituents — Glucosinolates, Isothiocyanates, Saponins, Tannins, Proteins and amino acids.
• Microscopical Characters:

1. Presence of parenchymatous cells
2. Calcium oxalate crystals
3. Xylem vessels
4. Fibers and stomata in leaves
5. Reticulate venation

• Pharmacological Activities: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective, Cardioprotective, and Immunomodulatory.
• Distribution: Moringa is mainly cultivated in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Africa, and South America. India is one of the largest producers of moringa.(22), (23)

5. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY:
   1. Ingredients Used:

Table 1: List of Ingredients.(24)

Ingredients	Category	Images
Moringa oleifera leaf powder	Herbal protein source
Peanut powder	Healthy fats source
Roasted chickpea powder (Sattu)	Protein + Energy
Oat powder	Carbohydrate + Fibe
Almond powder	Healthy fats + Protein
Flaxseed powder	Omega 3 + Fiber
Cocoa powder	Flavor masking
Jaggery powder	Sweetener
Cardamom (Elaichi) powder	Natural Aromatic agent
Ginger Powder	Anti-microbial agent

F1 = 10% Moringa	F2 = 20% Moringa	F3 = 30% Moringa

Figure 2: Prepared F1, F2 and F3 Formulations

Table 5: Comparative Nutritional Evaluation of F1, F2 and F3 Formulations.

Nutritional Evaluation	F1 = 10% Moringa	F2 = 20% Moringa	F3 = 30% Moringa
Protein content	24.5g	27.8g	30.6g
Carbohydrate content	42.0g	38.5g	34.2g
Fat content	11.2g	10.8g	10.3g
Fiber content	6.5g	8.9g	11.4g
Caloric value	360kcal	348kcal	335kcal

Figure 3: Grouped bar chart showing macronutrient composition (per 100 g) of F1, F2, and F3 formulations.

Figure 4: Caloric value (kcal per 100 g) comparison of F1, F2, and F3 formulations.

Table 6: Comparative Physicochemical properties of F1, F2 and F3 Formulations.

Physicochemical properties	F1 = 10% Moringa	F2 = 20% Moringa	F3 = 30% Moringa
Solubility test	88%	85%	82%
Moisture Content	4.2%	4.8%	5.5%
pH	6.7	6.4	6.1
Stability Studies	Stable	Stable	Moderately Stable

Figure 5: Pie Charts — Proportional comparison of pH, Solubility & Moisture across formulations

Key Observations:

• Solubility decreased with increasing moringa concentration, due to high fiber content of moringa affecting the dispersion of the powder in water/ milk.
• Moisture increased from F1 → F3 because of the hygroscopic nature (absorbs moisture) of Moringa powder.

• All formulations remained within the acceptable pH range.

8. DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

Three formulations of herbal protein shake powder containing different concentrations of Moringa oleifera were prepared and evaluated. The formulations were designated as F1 (10% moringa), F2 (20% moringa), and F3 (30% moringa) based on increasing concentration of moringa powder.

• F1 – Low concentration of moringa
• F2 – Medium concentration of moringa
• F3 – High concentration of moringa

• All formulations were evaluated for physical characteristics, nutritional composition, and other quality control parameters.
• F1, F2 and F3 formulations exhibited acceptable colour, odor, and texture. However, increasing moringa concentration affected taste acceptability. F1 showed the best palatability because of its mild herbal flavour, while F3 developed slight bitterness due to higher moringa content and increased fiber concentration. Cocoa powder and jaggery helped in masking the herbal taste to some extent.
• The incorporation of roasted chickpea powder, oats, almonds, flaxseed, and peanut powder contributed significantly to the balanced nutritional composition of the formulations. Chickpea and peanut powder enhanced protein content, oats improved carbohydrate and fiber levels, while flaxseed and almonds supplied healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients also improved the overall energy value and functional properties of the protein shake.
• The nutritional evaluation demonstrated a direct relationship between moringa concentration and protein as well as fiber content. F3 showed the highest protein content (30.6 g/100 g) due to the rich amino acid composition of moringa leaves. Similarly, dietary fiber increased significantly from F1 to F3 because moringa leaves naturally contain high levels of crude fiber. This indicates that moringa can effectively enhance the nutritional profile of herbal protein supplements.
• The physicochemical evaluation revealed that solubility decreased gradually with increasing moringa concentration. This reduction may be attributed to the high fiber and hygroscopic nature of moringa powder, which affects dispersion in water or milk. Moisture content slightly increased from F1 to F3, but all formulations remained within acceptable limits, indicating good storage stability.
• Among the three formulations, F2 (20% moringa) emerged as the most balanced and optimized formulation. F2 possessed comparatively high protein (27.8 g) and fiber (8.9 g) content over F1, while maintaining a caloric value of 348 kcal, a solubility of 85%, a stable pH of 6.4, and a low moisture content of 4.8%. Crucially, F2 retained an acceptable sweet-herbal taste that is likely to support consumer adherence and regular consumption. This balance between nutritional quality and sensory acceptability makes F2 the most viable candidate for further development, scale-up, and clinical evaluation.Top of Form
• The formulated protein shake possesses potential functional food benefits because of the antioxidant and bioactive compounds present in Moringa oleifera leaves. Compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, vitamins, and minerals may help reduce oxidative stress, support immunity, and improve overall health.
• The findings of this study suggest that moringa-based herbal protein shake powder can serve as a nutritious, affordable, and plant-based alternative to synthetic protein supplements. The developed formulation is rich in proteins, dietary fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals while remaining free from artificial preservatives and additives.Bottom of Form

9. CONCLUSION:

The present study successfully demonstrated the formulation and evaluation of herbal protein shake powder formulated using Moringa oleifera as the major functional ingredient. The incorporation of moringa leaf powder significantly enhanced the nutritional value of the formulation because of its rich protein content, essential amino acids, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds. The use of natural plant-based ingredients such as peanut powder, roasted chickpea powder, oats, almonds, and flaxseed further improved the nutritional profile and made the product suitable as a balanced dietary supplement.

The prepared formulations showed acceptable organoleptic characteristics, including colour, odour, texture, and taste. Nutritional analysis revealed that protein and fiber content increased with higher moringa concentration, while carbohydrate content and caloric value showed a slight decrease. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated that all formulations remained within acceptable quality limits.

Among all formulations, F2 containing 20% moringa was identified as the most optimized formulation. It provided a balanced combination of nutritional value, acceptable taste, good solubility, stable physicochemical properties, and overall consumer acceptability. F2 showed comparatively high protein and fiber content while maintaining a pleasant taste and desirable texture, making it the most suitable formulation for further development and commercialization.

The study also highlights the advantages of herbal and plant-based protein supplements over synthetic formulations, as they are economical, environmentally sustainable, and free from harmful artificial additives. The developed protein shake powder may be beneficial for athletes, gym users, growing children, elderly individuals, and health-conscious consumers requiring nutritious and easily digestible protein supplementation.

Furthermore, the formulation has significant potential for commercial production and nutraceutical applications. Future studies focusing on clinical evaluation, shelf-life stability, flavour enhancement, and large-scale manufacturing can further improve the effectiveness and marketability of the product.Top of Form

10. FUTURE SCOPE:

The developed herbal protein shake powder containing Moringa oleifera has significant future potential in the field of nutrition and health supplements. Due to its high nutritional value and natural composition, the formulation can be further explored for large-scale commercial production as an affordable and plant-based protein supplement.

Different flavor variations such as chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, banana, and coffee can be developed in the future to improve taste, palatability, and consumer acceptance. Additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, probiotics, or superfoods may also be incorporated to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of the product. Future research can also focus on developing sugar-free or low-calorie versions of the protein shake powder suitable for diabetic and weight-conscious individuals.

Further clinical and nutritional studies can be carried out to scientifically evaluate the health benefits, safety, digestibility, and effectiveness of the formulation in different population groups. Improvement in packaging materials, storage conditions, and shelf-life stability studies can further increase the commercial value and market acceptance of the product.

Thus, moringa-based herbal protein shake powder has promising future applications as a functional food and natural nutritional supplement in both healthcare and commercial sectors.Bottom of Form

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