Biochemical Assessment and Nutritional Mineral Fingerprinting of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables from Eastern Nigeria

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 3, No. 3, March 2012 | pp. 18–25

DOI: 10.46882/2012/IJC/000042

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Biochemical Assessment and Nutritional Mineral Fingerprinting of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables from Eastern Nigeria

Names of Authors: A. E. Ogunkoya¹, I. J. Okoye²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
²Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.

Abstract: Indigenous wild leafy vegetables serve as vital micronutrient and mineral reservoirs in rural diets, yet comprehensive biochemical profiling of lesser-known varieties remains incomplete. This research evaluates the nutritional composition, mineral profile, and anti-nutritional factors of three popular indigenous vegetables (Gongronema latifolium, Vernonia amygdalina, and Telfairia occidentalis) harvested in Eastern Nigeria. Proximate analysis established high crude fiber contents ranging from 8.4% to 12.5% on a dry weight basis, alongside moderate crude protein profiles (16.4% to 22.8%) and very low lipid concentrations (1.2% to 2.5%). Mineral profiling using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) demonstrated that calcium was the most abundant macro-element (420 to 680 mg/100g), followed by magnesium and potassium, while toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium were below hazardous detection thresholds. Quantified antinutritional matrices showed low baseline levels of oxalates (2.1 to 3.4 mg/g), phytates (1.8 to 2.9 mg/g), and saponins (0.5 to 1.2 mg/g). These antinutrient concentrations fell well within safe human consumption guidelines and dropped further during traditional cooking procedures, confirming that these vegetables are excellent dietary tools for mitigating micronutrient deficiencies.

Keywords: Leafy vegetables; Proximate analysis; Mineral profile; Antinutrients; Food chemistry; Micronutrient deficiency

Manuscript Timeline: Received: June 12, 2011; Revised: July 24, 2011; Accepted: August 20, 2011; Published: March 07, 2012.

Citation: Ogunkoya, A. E., & Okoye, I. J. (2012). Biochemical Assessment and Nutritional Mineral Fingerprinting of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables from Eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Chemistry, 3(3), 18–25.

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