Abstract:
Aqueous leaf extracts of Boerhavia diffusa and
Commelina nudiflora were evaluated for nutritional and
anti-nutritional compositions. The results showed that both vegetables
contained saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids. The proximate and vitamin
compositions of B. diffusa and C. nudiflora included mainly
moisture (82.22% and 88.63%), carbohydrate (10.56% and 5.67%), vitamin C
(44.80 and 41.60mg/100g dry weight), vitamin B3 (97.00 and
66.20mg/100g) and vitamin B2 (22.00 and 8.70mg/100g)
respectively. The mineral contents of the defatted leaf extracts were
found to be Na (162.50 and 75.55mg/100g), Ca (174.09 and 240.00mg/100g)
and Mg (8.68 and 6.63mg/100g) for B. diffusa and C.
nudiflora respectively. Iodine was detected at 0.002mg/100g in B.
diflusa leaf extract only. The proximate, vitamin and mineral
compositions obtained suggest that the leaves, as cheap sources of
vitamins C, B3 and B2, as well as other macro-and
micro-nutrients, can be incorporated into human and animal diet to meet
their recommended daily allowances. The content of flavonoids and vitamin
C in the leaf extracts also suggests possible anti-oxidant effects of
these leafy vegetables.
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