Assessment of the chemical and phytochemical constituents of the leaves of a wild vegetable-Ochthocharis dicellandroides (Gilg)

Abstract

Phytochemical constituents, proximate and mineral composition of Ochthocharis dicellandroides leaves were investigated in order to assess their nutritional value. The result of proximate composition showed that the leaves contained moisture (77.25%), crude protein (15.50%), carbohydrate (11.73%), crude fat (3.52%), energy (593.15 kj/mol) and ash (4.19%). Elemental analysis revealed that the minerals detected in the leaves were calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and iron in decreasing order of concentrations. Aluminium and sodium were found as trace elements and manganese was not detected. The phytochemicals detected in the leaves were alkaloids, flavonoids, Steroids, triterpenoids and glycosides, while anthraquinones tannins and saponins were not detected. The results showed high concentrations of flavonoids and steroids and a moderate amount of glycosides. However alkaloids and triterpenoids were detected in trace amounts. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the leaves of O. dicellandroides contain nutrients and mineral elements that determine their nutritional value. The presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and steroids with pharmaco-therapeutical properties may justify the medicinal potential of the plant and confirm its nutritive importance for body health. © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2012.