Phytochemical analysis, proximate composition and antinutritional factors of <i>Corchorus oliterius</i> plant

Abstract

Leafy vegetables play a major in meeting the dietary requirement of an average Nigerian. The knowledge of nutritional and antinutritional properties of these local plant resources therefore becomes necessary. This study was to conduct a phytochemical analysis, determination of proximate composition and antinutritional factors of Corchorus oliterius using standard procedures. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols. Proximate analysis, which partitioned the nutrients into six components revealed the nutrients, thus, moisture (8.84±0.00%), ash (11.18±0.00%), crude protein (27.32±0.02%), crude fat (5.64±0.01%), and crude fibre (5.84±0.02, and nitrogen free extractives (NFE) (41.16±0.00%). Antintritional factors were recorded, thus; oxalate (241.96±0.0 2mg/100g), saponins (0.68±0.00%), tannins (18.16±0.00 mg/100g), cyanogenic glycosides (2.78±0.01 mg/100g), and phytate (0.80±0.00%). The presence of phytochemicals such as terpenoids, flavonoids alkaloids and phenols validates the use of C. olitrius in traditional and alternative medicines since phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables are generally known for being responsible for protective health benefits in man and animals. This result showed that the vegetable was a promising source of protein in human diet if well processed. All the concentrations of antinutrients were found to be within acceptable levels for human and animal consumption. However, the levels of antinutrients can be reduced by traditional processing techniques such as boiling, steaming, cooking, to make it safer for human consumption.

Proximate, Phytochemical and Amino Acid Compositions of Sodom Apple (Calotropis procera) Leaves and Fruits

“…C. procera leaves and fruits contained oxalate levels of 12.18% and 11.1%, respectively, which are lower than those in Solanum nigrum (5.81 mg/100 g) and Anetum africanmum (20.9 mg/100g) [39]. Despite its lower oxalate content, the broader utilization of tropical plants like C. procera in food is limited by anti-nutrients universally present in them, affecting nutrient bioavailability [40]. Oxalates causes irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat, and phytate as inhibiting digestive enzymes are significant antinutrients.…”

BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND PHARMACOGNOSTIC POTENTIAL OF Tetragonia tetragonioides

“…These secondary metabolites are potent antioxidants and play an important role in neutralising oxygen radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage and reducing the risk of oxidative stress associated with various chronic diseases and other disorders that occur with age [27]. They have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antitumour properties of various types, due to their antioxidant nature [28] or their ability to influence enzyme systems involved in the immune response.…”

Proximate and Antinutrient Composition of Hura crepitans (Sandbox Tree) Seeds

“…Nutritional deficiencies, headaches, rashes and nausea are some of the symptoms of large amount of anitnutrients in the body [23]. Levels of antinutrient can be reduced by traditional processing methods such as cooking [24]. The result of the antinutrient composition of H. crepitans seeds are presented in Table 2.…”