Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile of Some Edible Plants in Nigeria

Edible plants from Nigeria were analyzed for phytochemicals and nutrients. These plants are

Ocimum gratissimum (scented leaf), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Annona muricata (soursop),

Talinum triangulare (water leaf), Colocasia esculenta (cocoyam), Solanum macrocarpon (garden egg), Microgreens, Piper guineense (uziza), Gangronema latifolium (utazi) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted gourd). Phytochemical and proximate composition was determined using titrimetric and spectrophotometric methods, while vitamins and minerals were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), emission flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The C. esculenta showed high concentrations of alkaloids and saponins, while microgreens and P. guineense recorded much tannins, flavonoids, folic acid (B9) and iron (Fe). S. macrocarpon revealed high protein, niacin (B3) and pyridoxine, while utazi is rich in fibre, vitamin E, zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) with low moisture. O. gratissimum contained high thiamin (B1) and riboflavin (B2), while vitamins A and cobalamin (B12) were abundant in T. occidentalis and T. triangulare. The V. amygdalina showed high vitamin C and calcium (Ca) levels. Highly significant variations exist among the bioactive compounds and the nutrients (p < 0.0001). These vegetables contained an appreciable quantity of nutrients and bioactive compounds at variable concentrations that are useful in folklore medicine and health care.

 

Author(s): Friday Nwalo Nweke

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