Comparative evaluation of the nutritional benefits of some underutilised plants leaves

Afolabi , Israel Sunmola and Akpokene, Okezi Ngozi and Fashola , Damilola Vivian and Famakin, Temitope Christiana (2012) Comparative evaluation of the nutritional benefits of some underutilised plants leaves. Journal of Natural Product and Plant Resources, 2 (2). pp. 261-266. ISSN ISSN : 2231 – 3184

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Abstract

Edible plants are good nutrients sources. Seven lesser known plant leaves (Tecoma stans (Tecom), Solenostemon monostachyus (SoleMon), Ficus exasperata (FicEx), Senna fistula (SenFist), Citrullus lanatus (CitLan), Ocimum gratissimum (OciGrat) and Ipomea involucrata (Ipocrata)) were assessed for their nutrients along with those commonly used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. Tecom (46.27 %); CitLan (58.22 %); SoleMon (4.64 %) and SenFist (5.12 %); SenFist (26.19 %); and FicEx (20.94 %) exhibited highest carbohydrate; protein; fat; crude fibre; and ash respectively. Variable levels of minerals were found in all except in OciGrat, FicEx, Tecom, Vernonia amygdalina and Talinum triangulare that lack copper. Ipocrata and Cymbopogon citratus were adequately rich in all the bulk nutrients. Cadmium and lead were generally high in all the plants. The underutlised leaves may useful as medicinal foods that are required in small quantity to prevent heavy metal toxicity.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Mrs Patricia Nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	24 Jan 2014 10:57
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2014 10:57
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/2056

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