Phytochemical and Nutritional Profiles of Tetragonia tetragonioides Leaves Grown in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

The phytochemical and nutritional profiles of Tetragonia tetragonioides leaves were investigated. The phytochemical analysis showed that flavonoids (402.00±0.42 mg/100 g) registered the highest concentration followed by alkaloids (250.71±0.72 mg/100 g), phenol (109.12±1.37 mg/100 g), saponins (67.67±0.45 mg/100 g), glycosides (64.25±0.35 mg/100 g) and tannins (25.23±0.09 mg/100 g). The proximate analysis revealed high percentage moisture (92.77±0.03), carbohydrate (50.65±0.70) and crude protein (18.25±0.14); moderate percentage crude fibre (13.94±0.00), ash (13.91±0.12) and low fat (4.15±0.07 %). The vitamins detected include ascorbic acid (50.55±0.66 mg/100 g), β-carotenoid (14.50±0.70 mg/100 g) and the B-vitamins – thiamine (0.16±0.01 mg/100 g), riboflavin (0.30±0.01 mg/100 g) and niacin (0.80±0.01 mg/100 g), with ascorbic acid, βcarotenoid and the B-vitamins present in high, moderate and trace amounts respectively. The mineral elements composition of T. tetragonioides leaves were dominated by potassium (270.65±0.77 mg/100 g), followed by phosphorus (106.60±0.42 mg/100 g), sodium (72.70±0.70 mg/100 g), calcium (37.54±0.70 mg/100 g), magnesium (35.97±0.71 mg/100 g), iron (4.54±0.19 mg/100 g) and zinc (1.29±0.19 mg/100 g). This investigation revealed that T. tetragonioides leaf is of high nutritional value and may serve as a food supplement and raw material in the pharmaceuticals. The present findings recommend its adequate consumption for the maintenance of good health.