Nutrient, phytochemical and anti- nutrient evaluation of <i>Jatropha tanjorensis</i> leaf (hospital too far)

Abstract

The study investigated the nutrient, phytochemical and anti- nutrient composition of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf (Hospital Too Far). Samples were subjected to proximate composition, mineral, vitamin, phytochemical and anti-nutrient contents analyses. The moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fibre, protein and carbohydrate contents were 81.62%, 0.98%, 4.90%, 2.80%, 5.37% and 4.33% respectively. Data obtained for mineral composition showed that magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc contents were 32.81mg/100g, 36.85mg/ 100g, 19.89mg/100g, 43.15mg/100g, 4.28mg/100g, 9.95mg/100g and 14.49mg/ 100g respectively. Data obtained for vitamin composition showed that vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, vitamin B₃ and vitamin C were 2.46mg/100g, 1.03mg/ 100g, 3.18mg/ 100g and 26.41mg/100g respectively. Data obtained for antinutrient and phytochemical profiles showed that tannin, saponin, flavoniod, phytate, alkaloid and hydrogen cynaide contents were 1.23mg/100g, 3.91mg/100g, 3.35mg/100g, 0.22mg/100g, 1.92mg/100g and 0.88mg/100g respectively. The proximate, mineral elements, vitamin, antinutrient and phytochemical profiles results obtained from the analyses of Jatropha tanjorensis leaf indicated that Jatropha tanjorensis leaf may be recommended for human consumption and the consumption of this vegetable in adequate amount could contribute immensely towards meeting human nutritional need for normal body growth and adequate protection against diseases caused by malnutrition.

Keywords: Jatropha tanjorensis leaf, nutrients, anti-nutrients, phytochemical