Nutrient content, phytochemical profile and anti-methanogen potential of Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) leaf extracts

Abstract

Chaya leaves (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) contain many nutrients and phytochemicals expected to reduce ruminants’ methane emissions. This study aims to determine the nutritional quality, phytochemical content and potential inhibitory power of Chaya leaf extract against the growth of rumen fluid methanogen bacteria. The methods used to determine nutrient content were proximate and fibre analysis. The phytochemical content tested were total phenols, tannins and flavonoids. Anti-methanogen test through inhibitory power using liquid culture selective media for methanogens. The results showed that Chaya leaves are a source of fibre feed, which also contains high crude protein (23 - 29%). The highest total phenol and tannin content in ethanol extract of Chaya leaves is 8.62 mg/g and 31.34 ppm, respectively. In contrast, ethyl acetate extract’s highest total flavonoid content is 13.96 mg/g. The highest potential inhibitory power against methanogen bacteria was shown by ethanol extract (50 mg/mL), causing inhibition of 44.56%. This study concludes that Chaya leaves have the potential to be used as ruminant animal feed and as a suppressor of methanogen bacteria, and further tests are recommended for methane gas production in vitro.