Proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient content of Celosia argentea at three stages of maturity

Abstract

The distribution of nutrients and metabolites in different organs and tissues is in a constant state of flux throughout the growth and development of a plant. This study was designed to evaluate the nutritional composition of Celosia argentea at three different stages of maturity to establish the best time of harvest for optimal nutritional benefits. Three growth stages: Pre-flowering (PRF), flowering (FLW) and post-flowering (PST) stages of two trials were investigated. Proximate, vitamins and anti-nutrients were performed using AOAC methods while minerals were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (AOAC). For both trials, the PRF had the highest ash (28.15 ± 0.10% and 26.22 ± 0.10%) and crude protein (19.50 ± 0.17% and 25.80 ± 0.20%) contents. However, the PST had the highest carbohydrate (28.51 ± 0.20% and 36.16 ± 0.22%), crude fiber (33.41 ± 0.87% and 25.20 ± 0.20%) and energy (435.28 ± 27.6% and 426.08 ± 1.08%) but was the lowest in fat and moisture (8.43 ± 0.15% and 6.35 ± 0.09%) contents respectively. In the mineral composition, there was no marked demarcation in the amount of Mg, Na and Fe. However, the PRF, had the highest amount of Ca, K, P and Cu. Zinc was highest at the flowering stage of growth, while Vitamins A, C and E concentration decreased as the plant approached maturation. PRF stage had the highest vitamin concentrations; alkaloid and saponin contents were highest at the PRF stage while oxalate and phytate content was not dependent on growth stages. The study revealed that although, the nutrient composition of Celosia argentea is strongly influenced by maturity stages, the best age of harvest, would be determined by the deficiency to be corrected.