An Evaluation Of The Chemical Composition And Nutritive Value Of Some Nigerian Medicanal Plants

ABSTRACT

The leaves of Acanthus nionihanus Alstoi;; boonei, Nauclean cartifolia, 1', mann!, Aca, if/n's spp, Landolp/i/n spp, Paul/in/a pirThota, Em//ia soryr I if )/IR D C. Spondias mombin, Tel racaipidiwn conophorum and Muccuna sop, were analysed for their nutritive value, phytochemica! constituents, anti-nutritional factors, minerals and proximate composition. The bark and roots of A!stoeia boone! were also assessed for the phytochemical constituents, nutritive value, anti-nutritional factors, minerals and pro>imnte composition. Proximate analysis revealed that the leaves are good sources of dietary protein (7.83 — 18. 30%) and fibre (2.47 —29.08%). The ash content was between 3.82— 15.73%. The mineral careens determined revealed the presence of Fe, K, Cu, Na. The lipid contents of the leaves mnged between 2.28 — 7.12% while the N free extract ranged from '10.20 -•- 70.0%. Vilanun C was the roost abundant vitamin and there were significant (Jilforci ices (Pr0 00) i It to vitariin C between 0.1 — 0.32 mg/i 00g. Niacin had the highest concentration(1 . ii mg/kg) in Tel racarpidium connophorum. The levels of [he anti-nutrients phytate, oxalate and HCN were low in the samples.