Assessment of Mineral and Antinutritional Qualities of Ceiba Pentandra Succulent and Matured Leaves

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity remains a major challenge in Nigeria, assessing mineral and antinutritional qualities of Ceiba could ensure food security and improve people's diet.
Objectives: The study assessed mineral and antinutritional qualities of succulent and matured leaves of two Ceiba accessions.
Materials and methods: Succulent and matured leaves of Ceiba were collected from Ayede and Unosi in Kogi State, Nigeria and investigated for minerals and anti-nutrients using standard analytical procedures. The experiment was a 2x2 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Data collected were subjected to the analysis of variance in CRD using GENSTAT statistical software.
Results: Unosi accession significantly (p<0.05) had higher potassium (42.9 mg/100g). Phosphorus (72.2mg/100g) and zinc (0.764 mg/100g) were more in Ayede. Matured leaves possessed higher calcium (21.22 mg/100g) and magnesium (62.81 mg/100g). Succulent leaves had more phosphorus (75.5 mg/100g). Genotype x traits biplot analysis revealed that matured leaves from Ayede had higher calcium. Iron, phosphorus and zinc were more in succulent leaves from Ayede. Matured leaves from Unosi had higher magnesium. Succulent leaves from Unosi contained higher potassium. Higher oxalate (172.5mg/100g) and phytate (3.90mg /100g) were attributed to matured leaves. Biplot analysis revealed that all the anti-nutrients were higher in matured leaves from Ayede.
Conclusion: Ayede accession is a better option for the consumers and for genetic improvement since the anti-nutrient content can be reduced during the cooking process. Higher anti-nutrients in matured leaves and higher mineral values in succulent leaves of Ceiba suggests the consumption of the succulent leaves.