|
|
DOI Prefix 10.20431 |
Information
Journal Policies
An Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Nutritional Compositions of Fresh Leaves of Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius [Miller] I.M.Johnston
Chikezie1, Uchechukwu Nkeiruka, Chijioke1, Augustine Nsofor, Adjeroh2, Loveth Anayo, Ogbulie1, Toochukwu Ekwutosi, Udensi1, Justina Ugochi, Oyirioha1, Kelechi Chialuka
2.Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.P.M.B 1526. Owerri, Imo State.Nigeria.
Citation :Chikezie, Uchechukwu Nkeiruka, et. al, An Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Nutritional Compositions of Fresh Leaves of Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius [Miller] I.M.Johnston International Journal of Research Studies in Biosciences 2016,4(6) : 21-28.
Fresh leaves of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius [Miller] I. M. Johnston were analysed for phytochemical and proximate compositions, vitamin and mineral constituents. The phytochemical screening carried out on the fresh leaves revealed the presence of the bioactive compounds; Saponin 3,900mg/100g, Flavonoid 1200mg/100g, Alkaloid 490mg/100g, Tannins 236mg/100g, Oxalate 873mg/100g, Phenol 11.6mg/100g, Anthraquniones 59mg/100g, Cyanogenic glycoside 24mg/100g and Phlobotannins 67mg/100g. The proximate analysis showed that the fresh leaves contained 1.80% crude fat, 2.50% crude fibre, 5.11% crude protein, 6.54% carbohydrate, 1.60% ash and 82.45% moisture content. The result of the vitamin analysis depicted/revealed that the fresh leaves contained carotene (Vit A) 131.10mg/100g, Ascorbic acid (Vit C) 142.11mg/100g, Pyridoxine (Vit B6) 1.34mg/100g, Folic acid (Vit B9) 1.13mg/100g and Cyanocobalamin (Vit B12) 0.13mg/100g. The mineral analysis revealed the constituents to be Mg 23mg/100g, K 102mg/100g, Ca 30.9mg/100g, P 22mg/100g, Fe 4.7mg/100g, Cu 0.5mg/100g, Mn 3.2mg/100g, Zn 0.3mg/100g, and Na 21mg/100g. These results show that Cnidoscolus aconitifolius is a nutritious green vegetable which can serve as a food supplement and as a medicinal plant.