scholarly journals Phytochemical, Proximate and Nutrient Composition of Vernonia calvaona Hook (Asterecea): A Green-Leafy Vegetable in Nigeria

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igile G. O. ◽  
Iwara I. A. ◽  
Mgbeje B. I. A. ◽  
Uboh F. E. ◽  
Ebong P. E.

<p>The leaf of <em>Vernonia calvaona</em> was analysed for its phytochemical, proximate, anti-nutrient, mineral elements and vitamin compositions using standard analytical procedures. Flavonoids (7.07 ± 0.43%) were the most dominant plant secondary compound, followed by steroidal saponins (4.42 ± 0.23%), phenolic compounds (3.19 ± 0.05%), and carotenoids (1.62 ± 0.11%). Alkaloids (1.26 ± 0.13%), and sesquiterpene lactones (1.64 ± 0.13%) were also present in the plant. The proximate analysis of the fresh leaf gave a carbohydrate content of 20.80± 0.67 mg/100 g, with a corresponding reducing sugar content of 8.56 ± 0.06 mg/100 g. The sample also gave a protein content of 19.80 ± 0.61 mg/100 g and fat content of 4.17 ±0.15 mg/100 g respectively. The total fatty acid content of the plant was 3.57 ± 0.52 mg/100 g. Overall the green-leafy vegetable of <em>Vernonia calvaona</em> which is usually eaten raw and fresh contains a very balanced nutrient composition and provides a total metabolising energy value of 844.49 ± 6.19 KJ/100 g. The plant has a crude fibre content of 7.63 ± 0.22 mg/100 g and an ash content of 10.67 ± 0.33 mg/100 g respectively. The anti-nutrient levels, including oxalates (0.34 ± 0.04 mg/100 g), phytates (0.94 ± 0.04 mg/100 g) and cyanates (0.09 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) were low compared to many known vegetables. The leaf is rich in vitamins (Vit C 11.33 ± 0.88, Vit A 0.61 ± 0.01 and Vit E 0.99 ± 0.13 mg/100 g). The leaf is also rich in vitamins B<sub>1</sub>, B<sub>2</sub>, B<sub>6, </sub>niacin and folic acid. The mineral profile of the leaf sample is also impressive, and includes some key elements such as, Fe, Zn, Ca, Na, K, Mg, P and Se. It may be concluded that the leaves of <em>V. calvaona</em> contribute to nutrient intake by the consuming populations in Nigeria and can serve as an antimalarial, antidiabetic, fertility agent, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer and cardioprotective agent.</p>

Author(s):  
Cromwell Mwiti Kibiti ◽  
Anthony Jide Afolayan

Background: B. abyssinica is a succulent member of the genus Bulbine (Asphodelaceae). It occurs from the Eastern Cape, through Swaziland and further north to Ethiopia. The species is used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, dysentery, bilharzia, cracked lips and diabetes. The tea leaf is used to treat cough, vaginal and bladder problems. Whereas B. abyssinica has ethno medicinal value, not much data concerning its phytonutrient, macro and micro element composition can be found in literature. Materials and Methods: Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the nutritional quantitative composition of the plant using standard procedures. Results: The proximate analysis revealed the carbohydrate, crude fibre, moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fat contents as 74.8%, 8.9%, 8.8%, 8%, 7.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The species showed high levels of oxalates and phytic acids, moderate levels of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phenols, while tannins were in low levels. Vitamin A, C and E contents were 12, 12.3 and 22.1 mg/100g, respectively. Amongst the mineral elements investigated, potassium and calcium were in high levels. Magnesium, iron, sodium, aluminium and phosphorus were moderately present, while manganese, zinc and copper where in low amounts. These vitamins and mineral elements were within their recommended daily allowance in humans. Conclusion: The amount of these phytochemicals suggests the plant can serve as nutritional supplements which are vital in maintaining good health status. These findings also suggest the potential role of B. abyssinica in the treatment of infections and some chronic diseases, especially diabetes mellitus.


Introduction: Fruits are a form of staple food for humans obtained naturally. They contain various quantities of essential nutrients in the right proportion. Intake of fruits in the diet is usually a very heathy lifestyle as fruits prevents disease and keeps us healthy. Ingestion of trace amount of heavy metals through fruits leads to bioaccumulation producing serious health hazards. The aim of the study is to investigate the amount of heavy metals in fruits obtained from different markets in Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and methods: Five trace metals and five toxic metals were analyzed in different fruit samples obtained from Lagos, Nigeria using the atomic absorption Spectrophotometer. Proximate analysis was carried out to determine the nutrient composition of the fruits. Result: The result showed that 80% of the composition of fruits is made of moisture content. The carbohydrate content in fruits is about 10% while crude fibre makes up about 2%. From the analysis of trace metals carried out, paw paw (7.71 mg/kg) had the highest amount of zinc content followed by pineapple (6.60 mg/kg). Iron is high in pears (3.12 mg/kg) and Banana (2.26 mg/kg) while it is lowest in apple (0.59 mg/kg). Copper and Mn ranged from 0.40 t0 2.20 mg/kg. Analysis of the toxic heavy metals showed that lead ranged from 0.0 mg/kg to 0.12 mg/kg in carrot. This is high. Cd range from 0.0 in orange to 0.14mg/kg in apples. Cr ranged from 0.01mg/kg in healthyto 0.07mg/kg in orange. Nickel is highest in banana (9.21mg/kg) and lowest in water melon (0.37mk/kg). Conclusion: Bioaccumulation of these heavy metals over time can be hazardous to health. It is better for the government to check the sources of these heavy metals and remediate them so as to prevent the exposure of the populace to diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
G. S. Bawa ◽  
S. O. Ogundipe ◽  
T. S. B. Tegbe ◽  
I. I. Dafwang

This study investigated the effects of varying the duration of cooking on the nutrient composition and levels of some antinutritional factors in lablab seeds. Raw lablab seeds were subjected to four durations of cooking, viz: 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes respectively, in a drum of boiling water. The samples were dried and assayed for their proximate compositions, mineral contents, presence and levels of trypsin inhibitors (TIA), phytic acid, tannin and hydrocyanic acid (HCN). The raw lablab seeds contained 94.03% dry matter (DM), 26.12% crude protein (CP), 7.86% crude fibre (CF), 2.02% ether extract (EE), 4.43% ash and 59.57% nitrogen free extract (NFE). The proximate composition was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by duration of cooking. Potassium (15.66g/Kg DM) and iron (245.17g/Kg DM) were the most abundant macro and micro mineral elements, respectively in the raw lablab seeds while sodium (0.06g/Kg DM) and copper (53.62 mg/kg DM) were the least for macro and micro minerals, respectively. Except for calcium and sodium, all the minerals assayed were leached significantly (P<0.05) during cooking, Cooking lablab seeds at 100°C for forty-five minutes decreased trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) from 593.87 mg/100g to 132.00 mg/100g; phytic acid from 5.65 mg/100g to 0.10 mg/100g; tannin from 0.22 mg/100g to 0.10 mg/100g and hydrocyanic acid (HCN) from 1.58 mg/100g to 0.45 mg/100g, respectively. These values correspond to 77.77, 78.93, 54.55 and 71.52 percent reductions in TIA, phytic acid, tannin and hydrocyanic acid, respectively. Cooking lablab seeds for 45 minutes appear to be the optimum for elimination of these antinutrients from lablab seeds.  


Author(s):  
Jesupemi Mercy Enibukun ◽  
Sunday Ademola Laba

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Pleurotus pulmonarius on proximate composition and solid-state fermentation of sawdust and waste paper, and to quantify the soluble sugar produced in the biodegraded samples. Studies were carried out on the biodegradation of sawdust and paper using P. pulmonarius in cultures incubated for 90 days. The results of proximate analysis showed decrease in moisture content crude fiber and hemicellulose, while ash and cellulose were increased. Sawdust has higher soluble sugar content at 30-90 days of fermentation. The crude fibre decreased significantly from 45.5% to 32.4%, 48.2% to 32.9%, 55.5% to 32.8%, 53.4 to 32.1%, 44.5% to 27.5% for sawdust (SD), paper-waste (PW), and three proportional ratio mixtures (PW1:SD3, PW3:SD1, PW1:SD1) substrates respectively. The nutrient contents, pH values, (%) fiber fractions showed significant differences of (P≤0.05) in the five substrates as the fermentation. Lignin contents of treated paper waste and sawdust were degraded by P. pulmonarius and a decrease was observed. There were also consistent significant decreases (P< 0.05) in the values obtained for NDF, ADF, ADL. Percentage NDF 75.4% to 57.32%, 68.1% to 57.05%, 67.21% to 56.8%, 75.49% to 58.36%, 74.3% to 59.13% for SD, PW, PW1:SD3, PW3:SD1, and PW1:SD1 substrates, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the hemicellulose and cellulose contents. The results obtained from the bioconversion process of selected wastes reveals the potential of extracellular enzymes produced by P. pulmonarius as a biotechnological tool for the transformation of waste in biological product.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 260
Author(s):  
Onkgolotse G. Moatshe ◽  
Vallantino E. Emongor ◽  
Patrick K. Mashiqa

Two field trials were carried out at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Content Farm (59o24&prime;S, 95o25&prime;E and 993 m above sea level) in Southern Region of Botswana, to evaluate the effects of genotypes on proximate and mineral composition of safflower leaves. Five safflower genotypes (Kiama composite (local), Sina-PI-537598, Gila-PI-537692, PI-537636 and PI-527710) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. During the rosette stage safflower leaves (both petiole and blade) were harvested, dried, and ground for analysis. The results showed that safflower genotypes significantly varied in the leaf proximate content of crude protein (24-28%), crude fibre (8-14%), moisture content (86-87%) and dry matter content (13-14%) in both winter and summer growing seasons. The genotype &lsquo;Sina&rsquo; had the highest crude fibre content compared to other genotypes. The average leaf mineral content significantly (p &lt; 0.05) varied from 2-3 mg g-1 phosphorus, 3-4 mg g-1 calcium, 5-6 mg g-1 sodium, 15-17 mg g-1 magnesium and 15-18 mg g-1 potassium. The Na:K and Ca:P ratios ranged between 0.18 and 3.41. All the safflower genotypes evaluated had sufficient nutritional content to be used as a green leafy vegetable for human consumption and food security.


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
Chuku, E. C. ◽  
Emiri, U. N.

Studies on the varietal effects on the nutrient composition of Saccharum officinarum were carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology and the Food Science and Technology Laboratories in Rivers State University. The sugar components assessed were glucose, fructose and sucrose. Sucrose was highest in both varieties compared to others. Nevertheless, the yellow variety had higher total sugar content (82. 9±0.00). The assessment of mineral composition of S. officinarum showed that the red variety had higher values for all the parameters namely calcium, sodium, iron, chlorine, copper, phosphorus and magnesium with an exception in potassium, sulphur and carboxylic acid which were higher in the yellow variety.  It was also observed that vitamins A and C values were higher in the red variety. The proximate analysis indicated that the red variety had higher values for carbonate ash, cane fibre, solid bagasse, soluble solid and salt. However, moisture (76.5±0.02), protein (0.71±0.01) and juice fibre (0.8±0.01) were higher in the yellow variety.


Author(s):  
N. J. T. Emelike ◽  
L. I. Barber ◽  
M. D. Deebom

This study was undertaken to investigate the nutrient composition and sensory properties of wheat flour bread substituted with defatted and undefatted cashew kernel flours. Cashew kernel was processed into flour and thereafter divided into two portions. One portion was left undefatted while the other portion was defatted using a hydraulic press. Bread was prepared from the blends of wheat and defatted/undefatted cashew kernel flours using 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, of wheat flour to defatted cashew kernel flour (DCF) and wheat flour to undefatted cashew kernel flour (UCF), and 100% wheat flour as control. Bread samples were subjected to sensory evaluation within 30 minutes of production. Proximate analysis and amino acid profile of the bread samples were carried out using standard methods. Result of the proximate analysis of the bread samples revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ash (1.05-2.19%), protein (8.46-34.22%) and crude fibre (1.85-6.20%) with a corresponding decrease in moisture (11.05-21.28%) and carbohydrate contents (57.21-36.37%) as substitution of wheat flour with DCF and UCF increased. Amino acid analysis revealed that wheat/DCF composite breads were significantly (p<0.05) higher in lysine (7.00 g/100 g), phenyl alanine (3.99 g/100 g), tryptophan (0.89 g/100 g), valine (4.33 g/100 g) and methionine (1.47g/100 g) than the wheat/UCF composite bread. Similarly, wheat/DCF composite breads were significantly (p<0.05) higher in proline (3.45 g/100 g), arginine (5.68 g/100 g), tyrosine (3.78 g/100 g), alanine (4.25 g/100 g), glutamic acid (11.81 g/100 g), glycine (3.06 g/100 g), serine (4.00 g/100 g) and aspartic acid (7.32 g/100 g) indicating higher protein quality in the wheat/DCF composite breads than in wheat/UCF composite breads. Bread samples substituted with 10% UCF and 20% DCF compared favourably with the control wheat flour bread for taste, crust, colour and general acceptability. Therefore, it is recommended to use a level of substitution of 10% UCF and 20% DCF for the production of bread of adequate nutritional and sensorial qualities.


Author(s):  
Uwemedimo Emmanuel Udo ◽  
Akaninyene Uwemedimo Udo

The leaves of Cnidoscolus aurifolia were analysed for their chemical, antinutrients, proximate and mineral element compositions using standard procedures. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenes and tannins while anthraquinones, glycosides and phlobatannins were absent. Proximate analysis indicated high protein content (59.45 ± 0.07%) with crude fibre and fat also present in appreciable quantities. Mineral elements determination showed the presence of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Antinutrient analysis of the leaf extract of C. aurifolia indicated low levels of phytic acid and hydrocyanide well below the lethal doses. An unusually high oxalate level of 404.80 ± 0.11 mg/100 g (dry weight) was also obtained although still below toxic level. These results support the ethnomedicinal and nutritional uses of this plant and suggest that the consumption of leaves of C. aurifolia is not harmful nutritively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Babatunde ◽  
G. Ajayi ◽  
O. O. Ajayi ◽  
I. A. Ajayi

Afraegle paniculata (Schumach. & Thonn.) Engl. commonly known as Nigerian powder-flask is a plant of rutaceae family found in West Africa from Senegal to Nigeria. The chemical composition of seeds and seed oil of Afraegle paniculata were evaluated in this study. The seed oil was obtained by soxhlet extraction using n-hexane. Chemical composition analyses involved proximate, mineral element, physicochemical and phytochemical. The percentage mean value of the proximate analysis revealed that the seeds contained 28.81±0.02 % crude fat, 25.03±0.12 % crude protein, 10.90±0.03 % moisture, 3.11±0.01 % ash, 25.19±0.02 % crude fibre and 6.96±0.14 % carbohydrate. The mineral element analysis result showed that potassium (114.87 mg/l) was the predominant mineral element followed by magnesium (47.20±0.037 mg/l) and sodium (45.37±0.53 mg/l). Other minerals present were calcium (2.12±0.014 mg/l), iron (1.12±0.028 mg/l), copper (0.41±0.002 mg/l), zinc (0.39±0.094 mg/l) and manganese (0.29±0.005 mg/l). The oil was liquid at room temperature and golden yellow in appearance. The recorded pH, acid, peroxide, iodine, saponification, ester and oil yield values were 3.94, 1.29 mgKOH/g, 17.57 meq/kg, 42.24 mgI2/100g, 203.76 mgKOH/g, 202.47 mgKOH/g, 40.77 % w/w respectively . The presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and anthraquinone were evident in the phytochemical screening of the seed oil. Nutritional profile of A. paniculata seed could offer a scientific basis for use of the seeds and oils both in human diet and some commercial products. Keywords: Afraegle paniculata, proximate, mineral elements, physicochemical and phytochemical.


Author(s):  
Hassan L. G. ◽  
◽  
Kabiru J Umar ◽  
Yuguda H

The present study was conducted to find out the nutritional values of Faidherbia albida (Acacia albida) seeds and pulp to be used as components in livestock feeds. The samples were randomly collected from various trees during the period of January to February. The samples were separated, milled and analysed for proximate components and mineral elements using standard methods of the AOAC. Proximate analysis results showed that the concentrations of tested parameters in the seed and the pulp respectively on % dry matter were: dry matter (90.0 + 0.4; 93.3 + 0.2), ash (3.3 + 0.1; 6.7 + 0.1), crude protein (20.6 + 1.2; 19.5 + 0.4), crude lipid (13.3 + 0.1; 3.3 + 0.1), crude fibre (6.7 + 0.1; 13.3 + 0.2), and available carbohydrate (46.1 + 0.1; 50.53 + 0.7). The results indicated that the contents of dry matter, ash, crude fibre and available carbohydrate were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the pulp compared to the seed while the crude lipid values, however, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in seeds compared to pulp. Crude protein values did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between treatment means of seeds and pulp. The estimated energy value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the seed (1,682 kJ/100g) compared to pulp (1,363kJ/100g). The results for the mineral analysis indicate that the seeds and pulp contain appreciable concentrations (mg/100g) of Ca (136.6 + 5.0; 55.0 + 5.0); Mg (135.0 + 2.0 + 5.0; 84.7 + 3.0); P (26.6 + 0.9; 29.6 + 0.7); K (144.5 + 0.2; 88.8 + 0.1); Na (12.5 + 0.1; 6.8 + 0.1); Fe (6.2 + 0.2; 8.8 + 0.3); Cu (5.8 + 0.1; 2.5 + 0.1) and Zn (8.0 + 0.1; 3.0 + 0.1). Mineral elements in seed are significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to that of pulp in most cases. From the results it can be inferred that the seed and pulp of F. albida could be an important source of feed ingredient for livestock if properly harnessed.


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