Nutritional Values and Phytochemicals of Some Selected Tropical Leaves and their Composite Mix

• A.O. Ayeni

  Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B 704, Akure, Nigeria

  Author

Plants contain beneficial phytochemicals with high nutritional values that could complement animal and human body's needs. Thus, some selected tropical leaves and their composite mix (CLM) were evaluated for their proximate, minerals and phytochemical constituents. Fresh leaves of Gliricidia sepium (GLM), Annona muricata (AMM), Persea americana (PAM) and Ficus exasperate (FEM) were harvested and milled to produce their respective leaf meals. The Allium sativum bulbs were purchased and processed to produce garlic powder (GP). The CLM consisted of GLM, AMM, PAM, FEM and GP mixed in ratio 3:2:2:2:1 based on their abundance. Results showed that GP had the highest moisture content (13.5%) while PAM had the lowest (10.45%). The mean value for the moisture content (11.89%) was slightly higher than the CLM (11.86%). Ash content was highest in FEM (19.59%) and lowest in GP (5.26%). However, GP contained higher crude protein (20.48%) and lowest ether extract (4.07%) compared to others. The crude fibre content was highest in GLM (19.21%) while GCM had the least (4.05%). Higher nitrogen free extract (52.64%) was obtained in GP when compared to other leaf meals and CLM. Meanwhile, variations were observed in the mineral compositions of the leaf meals and CLM. The phytochemical composition of leaf meals and CLM showed that phytate and oxalate were highest in GP (60.25 and 17.29 mg/g, respectively), while the least value was in FEM (16.48 and 3.78 mg/g, respectively). However, PAM had the highest tannins (0.53mg/g) and GP had the lowest (0.27 mg/g). Alkaloids content was highest in AMM (6.47 mg/g) but lowest in GP (1.24 mg/g). It could be concluded that these tropical leaves and CLM contained appreciable nutrients and phytochemicals that could contribute towards nutritional requirements for growth and improved health.

1. A.O. Ayeni, Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B 704, Akure, Nigeria

   Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B 704, Akure, Nigeria

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