Análise comparativa dos teores de proteína encontrados nas folhas da planta Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata miller) cultivada em diferentes regiões brasileiras: um estudo de caso

Abstract

Although a relatively unrecognized plant in society, the Ora-pro-nóbis (OPN) has been increasingly attracting the interest of both individuals and scientists familiar with it. According to conducted studies, this plant exhibits a high protein content, justifying its nickname 'poor man's meat.' Despite its somewhat peculiar name in written and spoken form, when translated from Latin, it essentially means 'pray for us.' The OPN is regarded as a Medicinal Plant and an Unconventional Food Plant (UFP) due to its nutritional and pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and wound-healing abilities. These attributes allow its use not only as a nutritional enhancer but also in the treatment of various ailments. The OPN demonstrates rapid adaptation to soil, exhibiting accelerated growth and behaving akin to a climbing plant. It features thin, long stems and branches, with numerous thorns close to the leaves. Its leaves are thin, elongated, and pointed (similar to a spearhead), also possessing a shiny, succulent, and soft texture. Unlike many plants, the OPN has minimal aroma and taste, making it highly acceptable for incorporation into diets, almost imperceptible to the sensory faculties of most individuals. This case study aims primarily to aggregate, analyze, and compare different protein content results obtained from analyses solely utilizing the leaves of the Ora-pro-nóbis plant cultivated in various regions of Brazil, sourced from scientific databases from 2017 to the present day. The objective is to assess the feasibility of introducing this plant into human diets. Throughout this study, an average protein content of 19.08% was found. Consequently, it can be assessed that the protein content of the OPN plant is indeed viable for implementation in human diets, potentially serving as a cheaper and more accessible alternative source of protein supplementation, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals who lack meat in their meals. It is also noteworthy that aside from its high protein content, the plant possesses various pharmacological and wound-healing properties, which can serve not only as a nutritional supplement but also assist in various other illnesses and pathologies.