Comparative Study of the Phytonutrients Contents of Three Plants Grown as Vegetables in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Diets with a high proportion of plants are nutritionally challenging. These food and generally medicinal plants certainly contribute to reducing hunger and mortality from diet-related diseases worldwide. The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional potential of <i>Cleome gynandra</i>, <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> and <i>Corchorus olitorius</i>, three food plants widely consumed in Burkina Faso. The phytonutrient content of these three plants was assessed on a comparative basis. The parameters investigated in this study were: total ash and mineral content, total protein and carbohydrate content, total lipid content, vitamin C and provitamin A content. The results show that <i>Cleome gynandra</i> had the highest protein content at 160.6 ± 0.32 mg EBSA/g. Lipid levels were relatively close for all three leafy vegetables. They ranged from 3.36% to 4.35%, with the highest content obtained with <i>Corchorus olitorius</i>. Carbohydrate content values ranged from 0.05 to 0.15 mg/mg Glucose equivalent. The highest value was found in <i>Hibiscus sabdariffa</i> (0.15 Glucose equivalent mg/mg). The vitamin C contents of these three plants are relatively close, with the highest vitamin C content obtained with <i>Corchorus olitorius</i> (1.91±1.9 ug/mg). Provitamin A levels varied from 0.196 to 0.312 betac equivalent mg/g ES. The highest content was obtained with <i>Cleome gynandra</i>. Zinc, Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium and Sodium are also present in all three plants, with varying levels. <i>Cleome gynandra</i> stands out with higher levels of Zinc (59.79 mg/kg), Calcium (9517.5 mg/kg), Potassium (5817.5 mg/kg) and Iron (212.1 mg/kg). These different values justify <i>cleome gylandra</i>'s highest total ash content. These edible plants are therefore rich in phytonutrients, and their consumption could help ensure good health and prevent various chronic diseases.