Nutritional composition of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves and effects of its aqueous extract on carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in male Wistar albino rats

Abstract

Many consumers of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves claim that the leaves are nutritious and in addition, possess nutraceutical properties that promote good health. Such claims can be misleading since there is no scientific data to validate their claims. This study evaluated the nutritional and antioxidant properties of the aqueous extract of Jatropha tanjorensis leaves in carbon tetrachloride induced male Wistar albino rats with the aim of validating some nutritional and nutraceutical properties claimed by local consumers. Anti-nutritional factors, vitamins, proximate and mineral compositions were determined using standard analytical protocols. Acute toxicity and antioxidant properties were investigated with 18 male mice and 30 male Wistar albino rats respectively. The data obtained were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Anti-nutritional analysis revealed presence of alkaloids and phytate in relatively high amounts while glycosides and tannins were undetected. The leaves have nutritionally good proximate composition. High vitamin A, low vitamins B1 and C and undetectable level of vitamin E were also observed in the leaves. Relatively high amount of sodium (402.20 ± 1.97 ppm) and iron (50.67 ± 0.76 ppm) were observed. Acute toxicity study revealed the relative safety of the aqueous extract as no mice exhibited signs of toxicity or death after 24 hours of oral administration. The CCl 4 induction caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities when compared with the normal control, however, treatment with graded doses of the extract resulted in significant (p<0.05) dose dependent increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and significant (p<0.05) dose dependent decrease in malondialdehyde concentration when compared with the positive control. It is concluded that the leaves are nutritionally rich and possess antioxidant properties that could effectively ameliorate oxidative stress; however, excessive consumption may impair bioavailability of some nutrients due to high phytate content.

Effect of Jatropa Leaves Extract on in Vitro Date Palm Embryos Germination and Shoot Regeneration

“…In addition, there were numerous mineral elements abundant in jatropha leaves which accelerate metabolic processes and promote growth and development (Bello et al, 2008). On the other hand, the levels of essential amino acids in jatropha leaves were lower compared to those in other plants (Makkar et al, 1998) which agreed with the findings of this research and in contrast to the findings of (Chigozie et al, 2018) who observed that Jatropha tanjorensis leaves were abundant in essential amino acids.…”

“…In addition, jatropha leaves have the greatest magnesium content, which is essential for the production of DNA and RNA during cell division Sanderson et al (2013). Other determinations done by Chigozie et al (2018) recorded that jatropha leaves are rich in vitamin A, deficient in vitamins B1, C and vitamin E. Moreover, allelopathic effects may be found in plants and microbes, although in vegetables they are stronger. The allelopathic effect is a natural intervention in which a plant creates chemicals and metabolites that, when released, may be beneficial or detrimental to other plants/organisms Rejilia and Vijaykumar (2011), (Mongelli et al, 1997).…”

Exploring the Antibacterial Properties of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Extract: A Potential Alternative to Conventional Antibiotics

“…Phytochemical screening analysis revealed the presence of tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, and alkaloids in the plantextract. Elsewhere it is reported that tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and glycosides could be associated with the antimicrobial activities of someplants [23,24]. The antibacterial activities of these plants may reside in these active principles as noted by [25].…”

“…aureus= Staphylococcus aureus, Esch. coli = Escherichia coli DISCUSSION Medicinal plants are used by a large proportion of developing nations [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. The reason for this may be a true improvement in disease conditions after herbal treatment [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40].…”

Phytochemical and Biological Screening of Catholic Vegetable (Jatropha Tanjorensis) Aqueous Extract in Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

“…Petioles are 12-19 cm long (Akhilesh & Tewari, 2015). Jatropha tanjorensis Common Names: Catholic vegetable, Lapalapa or Iyana-Ipaja (Yoruba), Ugu-Oyibo (Igbo), "hospital too far" (Pidgin English) (Ochulor, Njoku, Uroko & Egba, 2018).…”