Assessment of bio-active compounds in Ikom and Riverine bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) cultivars in Southeastern Nigeria

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13970912

Keywords:

Antioxidants, Cultivars, Dietary, Ikom, Phytochemicals, Proximate

Abstract

A comprehensive analysis was done to investigate the proximate, mineral, vitamin and phytochemical compositions of Ikom and Riverine cultivars of bitter leaf. The study was carried out using analytical procedures outlined by the association of official analytical chemists. The Riverine bitter leaf contained more moisture content (8.8%), crude fibre (8.5%), fat (2.8%) and ash (8.6%), while Ikom cultivar had more crude protein (27%), carbohydrate (51mg/100g) and dry matter content (94mg/100g). The Riverine bitter leaf contained more minerals; sodium (0.42%), phosphorus (27.87mg/100g), potassium (1.31%), iron (61.8mg/100g) and zinc (7.34mg/100g). While both cultivars had equal concentrates of calcium (3.8%) and magnesium (1.5%). The Ikom cultivar had more of Nitrogen (4.47%) and phosphorus (0.56%) This showed that they are good sources of minerals. The presence of more ash in riverine bitter leaf is a confirmation of the presence of more mineral elements. The riverine cultivar was relatively higher in all tested vitamins other than thiamine. The Riverine cultivar contained higher values of Flavonoids (4.29mg/100g), tannins (1.38mg/100g) and oxalates (0.086mg/100g) than the Ikom cultivar which had higher values of Alkaloids (3.61mg/100g), saponins (5.75mg/100g) and phenols (0.48mg/100g). The low alkaloids (mainly quinine) accounts for the slight bitter taste of the riverine cultivar. Generally, the two cultivars were rich in useful dietary nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidants. It is recommended that more research be done to develop ways of multiplying the Riverine bitter leaf in rain forest and derived Savannah zones.

Author Biographies

  • Ogechukwu Anurika UMEH, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Henry OKOLIE , Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Eucharia Adaobi OBIDIEBUBE , Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Chiamaka Chinasa OBASI, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Paschal Oshen ODEY, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Gabriel Chinonso ANIGBOGU, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

  • Philomena Ifunanya EZE, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

    Researcher

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Published

2024-03-31

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Articles

How to Cite

Assessment of bio-active compounds in Ikom and Riverine bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) cultivars in Southeastern Nigeria. (2024). Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Journal, 3(1), 142-146. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13970912

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