A Study of the Nutritional Composition of the Dandelion by Part (Taraxacum officinale)

민들레의 부위별 영양성분 함량 비교

Many studies have presented results about the antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale). There has yet to be a study which makes comparisons of nutrients based on the parts of the Dandelion. To identify the nutrient composition by part of dandelion, nutrient contents were analyzed. Dandelions were taken from Songpa-gu in Seoul and the nutrient composition of the flower, leaf and root were measured. The nutrient content of each part was analysed by using the method developed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The proximate components(moisture, protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrates), minerals and vitamins of the dandelion were analysed. The nutrient composition of the dandelions showed many significant differences among the parts when the differences were determined by using Duncan's multiple range test. The leaf contains more protein, ash, Ca, K, Mg, Zn, vitamin A, B$_1$, B$_2$, and C than the other parts. The root has much more fiber, carbohydrate, P and Fe content. The results demonstrate that dandelions could be used as a food source supplement for fiber, Ca, Fe and vitamin B$_2$ which are common nutritional deficiencies in Korea. It is recommended that more research for other bio-functional factors besides nutrients composition is needed to enhance the utilization of the dandelion.