Determination of nutrients, antinutrients and antioxidants concentrations in some edible forest vegetables in Ondo and Oyo State, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Native plants are important forest resource commonly explored in traditional cuisines and ethnomedicine in developing countries. Unfortunately, these plants are used routinely with inadequate awareness of their nutrient quality and bioactive components.

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the nutritional values, anti-nutrient factors, and antioxidant properties of selected native vegetables that are most commonly consumed in Southwestern Nigeria.

Method: The target species were selected based on the preference of 80 respondents from eight different communities using a semi-structured questionnaire. Proximate, antinutrient, vitamins, and Antioxidants constituents were determined using standard methods.

Results: The nutritional composition reveals that S. biafrae leaves had the highest moisture (80.21%) and ash contents (3.82%). However, P. guineense leaves contain higher fibre (3.84%), protein (16.39%), and Carbohydrate (13.45%) content. Whereas P. mildbraedii leaves had a significantly high concentration of fat (0.94%). Very low antinutrient content was obtained from the vegetables, with S. biafrae having a significantly low level of phytate (1.24 mg/g), oxalate (0.09 mg/g), tannin (1.38 mg/g), and saponin (7.64 mg/g) compared to others. Antioxidants like phenol (9.75-15.78 mg.g^-1), Vitamin C (5.49-23.25 mg.g-1), and Vitamin A (278.25 – 705.64 unit.g-1)obtained from the vegetables have an endless supply of natural and vital nutrients that the body requires for good health

Conclusion: Distinctively, the choice vegetables can be reputed as remarkable repositories of essential nutrients, and pharmacologically relevant antioxidant molecules.