Protein composition, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and cyanide content of cassava leaves (Manihot esculenta Crantz) as influenced by cultivar, plant age, and leaf position.

• Cultivar, leaf position, and plant age affected cassava leaves qualities. • The middle leaves of Rayong 5 cultivar at 6-months-old provided the highest contents of nutrients. • Cassava leaves provide high protein, glutamine, aspartic acid, and leucine but show a lack in methionine and cysteine. • Cassava leave is a good source of bioactive compounds. • The total cyanide contents in all cassava leaves were high. The variation of proximate compositions, amino acids, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and total cyanide contents in cassava leaves was studied to identify the most suitable leaves for human consumption. The cassava leaves from 4 cultivars were analysed at 3 leaf positions as well as at 2 plant ages. The leaves of 'Rayong 5' cultivar from the middle position at 6 months after planting contained the highest crude protein, amino acids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. The total cyanide content was high and therefore, an effective detoxification method is needed. Protein from the cassava leaves was rich in glutamine, aspartic acid, and leucine, but low in methionine and cysteine. Additionally, cassava leaves were found to be a rich source of carotenoids and chlorophyll. This study provided the evidences that cassava leaves can be an alternative source as protein supplement and for carotenoids and chlorophyll extraction and paves the way to valorise this abundant agricultural by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]