Essential Oil Composition, Nutrient and Anti-nutrient Analysis of Vernonia mespilifolia Less.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the essential oil, nutrients and anti-nutrient content of Vernonia mespilifolia an indigenous medicinal plant used traditionally by the people of Eastern Cape, South Africa for the management of obesity. Methodology: Proximate parameters (moisture, ash, crude fats, proteins, crude fibers, carbohydrates and energy values) and mineral analysis (K, Na, Ca, Fe, P and Mg etc.) were evaluated using standard techniques. Essential oil was extracted using a rapid solvent-free microwave extraction method and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). Results: The results revealed that carbohydrate content was (46.66±0.44%), protein (10.75±0.08%), moisture (3.45±0.29%), fat (0.97±0.25%) and fibre (29.24±0.67%), while the gross total energy was 238.37±0.87 kcal/100 g. The minerals detected in appreciable quantity ranged from magnesium (1.55 mg/100 g) to potassium (2175.00 mg/100 g). The anti-nutrients (phytate, oxalate, saponins and alkaloids) content was relatively low compared with those of most edible plants and are not likely to cause any significant interference with nutrient absorption. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils showed higher proportion of 2,5-dimethylhexa-2,4-diene, α-gurjunene, kaur-16-ene, acetamide, N-(3-nitrophenyl)-2,2-dichloro, α-elemene. Conclusion: The nutrients, mineral and essential oil contents of V. mespilifolia could be a good addition to the diet besides its medicinal values.