Chemical composition of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray (Asteraceae) and diversity of uses in rural areas

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of Tithonia diversifolia, a shrub species in the Asteraceae family and the diversity of uses in rural areas. A bibligraphic review was conducted in Mexico and other countries in Central America, South America, Africa and Asia. Bromatological analyses of edible material (leaves and petiole) were performed to determine dry matter (DM), fat, ash, crude fiber, crude protein (CP), and nitrogen-free-extract (NFE). Fiber fractions were determined: neutral deterget fiber (FDN), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, from two locations in Jalisco state and one from Colima. Herbarium specimens were reviewed for knowing geographical distribution and rural uses. Results indicate that even without being legume, CP percentages are high with values of 18.42 to 31.54% with high dry matter content up to 98.92%, fiber values (30.81 to 34.08%) for NDF and (22.48 to 31.69%) for ADF. The bibliographic review highlights its forgae use, for ruminants and monogastrics, in beekeeping for its content of néctar and pollen, sucha as medicinal, ornamental and green manure for its contribution of nutritious, mainly phosphorus. T. diversifolia is a good option for its nutritional value and diversity of uses are demonstrated as an alternative in semi-intensive animal production systems in both tropical and temperate áreas.