Phytochemical Analysis of Four Neglected Vegetables in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The Phytochemical, nutritional and vitamin composition of Cleome viscosa, Cleome rutidosperma, Moringa oleifera, and Buchholzia coriacea were investigated. These plants which are considered as neglected vegetables were investigated to ascertain their suitability as edible vegetables. Average yield of the chemical contents of the leaves of these neglected vegetable are as follows: Flavonoid (0.23- 0.55%), Tannins (0.25-0.79%), Alkaloids (0.13-0.65%), Saponins (0.47-1.09%), HCN (6.4-16.3mg). The crude protein of the leaves is (12.03-19.0%), Fibre (13.97-15.75 %), Carbohydrate (47.43-52.01%), Fat (4.19-5.82%), Vitamin A content (6.05-12Iu/100g), Vitamin C (68.05-197.12mg/100g). Generally, the results suggest the leaves of these plants to be nutritionally rich and hence their potentials for food and medicine could be harnessed.