Evaluation of Mineral and Amino Acid Composition of Leaves of Ocimum Gratissimum (L.)

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the mineral and amino acid composition of the leave of Ocimum gratissimum. The mineral composition showed major minerals such as Na, K, Ca and Mg should essential and non-essential amino acids. The amino acids compared favorably with FAO reference protein. The leave were also found to be rich in essential amino acids especially lysine and leucine. Amino acid composition of Ocimum gratissimum both essential and non-essential acids. The level of essential of amino acids are adequate when compared with the reference values, therefore this result provide scientific basis for the consumption of O. gratissimumleave in Nigeria..

Keywords: Mineral, amino acids, Ocimum gratissimum, composition

Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Science Vol. 6 (1) 2007: pp. 15-17