Comparative study of proximate, mineral and phytochemical analysis of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera

Abstract

The aim of this study is to make a comparative analysis of the proximate, mineral and phytochemical compositions of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa Oleifera plants found within our vicinity in Nigeria. The analyses were investigated in accordance with standard procedures and compared. Of the 3 plants, M. oleifera had highest (P<0.05) crude fat, crude protein and total ash but lowest in carbohydrate content, whereas, V. amygdalina with highest fiber had the lowest crude fat and total ash. Crude fiber and crude protein were lowest in O. gratissimum. Also, O. gratissimum showed the highest composition of calcuim, potassium, copper and zinc content compared to V. amygdalina and M. oleifera. Phytate and saponin were significantly predominant (P<0.05) in O. gratissimum relative to V. amygdalina and M. oleifera, whereas flavonoid and tannin were highest (P<0.05) in V. amygdalina. However, M. oleifera had the highest content of alkaloids among the three plants. The results showed that three leaves evaluated contained varying amount of the proximate, minerals and phytochemicals, hence, the regular use of these leaves are recommended. Key words: Proximate, minerals, phytochemical, phytate, saponin, tannin.