ABSTRACT

Proximate composition, phytochemical and vitamin (A, E, C) analysis were carried out on winter squash (Cucurbita maxima.D) and fluted pumpkin (Telifeiria occidentalis) using standard methods. Fresh vegetable leaves were purchased at the Ndoro market, in Ndoro community Umuahia Abia State. The vegetable samples were used fresh without any form of treatments. The proximate compositions of both samples were significantly different at (p<0.05) content of saponin(0.14%) compared to winter squash (0.24°/o). The result also showed (p><0.05). The level of moisture content for fluted pumpkin was 86.70% and that of winter squash was 89.07%. The ash content of both samples were 2.12% and 1.72%. The crude fibre, protein and fat content of the two samples ranged from 1.28% to 1.48%, 3.8 1% to 4.67%, and 2.11% to 1.3% respectively. The carbohydrate content for both samples were (4.59%) and (1.15%). The phytochemical composition of the two samples were significantly different at (p<0.05) content of saponin(0.14%) compared to winter squash (0.24°/o). The result also showed (p><0.05) Fluted pumpkin had higher oxalate (0.74%) and lower alkaloid content (2.02%) while winter squash had higher (3.01%) alkaloid and lower oxalate (0.18%). Fluted pumpkin showed lower (p<0.05) content of saponin(0.14%) compared to winter squash (0.24%). The result also showed (p<0,05) higher hydrogen cyanide content in winter squash (0.43%) compared to fluted pumpkin (0.15%). Flavonoid content (2.65%) and tannin (5.00%) in fluted pumpkin were higher compared to winter squash (1.41%) and (4.97%) respectively. The result showed winter squash had higher vitamin A content (1.45mg/100) than the value in fluted pumpkin (1.3 5mg/100). Higher vitamin C content was found in winter squash (17.70mg/i 00) than fluted pumpkin (12.75mg/100) while for vitamin E there was no significant difference between the value for fluted pumpkin leaves (0.24mg/100) and winter squash leaves (0.17mg/100). The result indicates that winter squash is a good source of protein, fat, saponin, alkaloid, vitamin A and C which are necessary for health maintenance.