Changes in contents of some chemical compositions and activities of some hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes of Aegle Marmelos L. Leaves

Aegle marmelos L. leaves were analyzed at different maturity levels for their physico-chemical compositions and change in contents of some hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes. The pH of the Aegle marmelos L. leaves was in the acidic ranges at all the maturity stages and the acidity of the leaves increased gradually with the advancement of maturity. The moisture content decreased gradually while ash content increased remarkably with age. Protein, total sugar, reducing sugar, sucrose and vitamin contents increased rapidly with the advancement of maturity while lipid and starch content decreased with maturation. The activity of amylase and invertase increased up to mature stage and thereafter decreased rapidly at the ripen stage. Mineral contents increased up to the mature stage and then decreased in ripen stage. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity high in immature stage but decreased dramatically in mature stage and thereafter increased in ripen stage while the activity of protease and lipase increased all the maturity stage. In this study, ripen Aegle marmelos L. leaves contained the highest amount of protein, carbohydrate, b-Carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and vitamin C whereas mature and immature Aegle marmelos L. leaves are rich sources of minerals and starch respectively.