Abstract
Green leafy vegetables are important component of human diets, providing fibre, minerals and vitamins. Recently, non-conventional food plants are incorporated in diet to provide not only nutrient but also traditional treatment for various ailments. In a way to combat the devastating effect of malnutrition, there should be a long term intervention such as dietary diversification which can be achieved by increasing the production of locally produced foods and non-conventional vegetables. This study analysed the nutritional composition and anti-oxidant potential of Heliotropium indicum L. (Lamiales: Boraginaceae). The proximate analyses were carried out using the methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC). Vitamins were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mineral content were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) technique. The anti-oxidant activity was tested spectrophotometrically using ascorbic and gallic acid as standards. The nutrient constituents revealed that the fat content ranged between 0.67% +/- 0.05% and ash content ranged between 15.7% +/- 0.04%. Varying levels of vitamins like ascorbic acid, retinol, tocopherols, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin was quantified in the samples. Ascorbic acid content ranged between 622.6 mg/100 g. The aqueous extracts of the samples significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited DPPH radical with an IC50 value of 38 ug/mL. It is evident from this study that these indigenous leafy vegetable which are not widely known and consumed are of high nutritional quality and anti-oxidant potential. This vegetable can contribute significantly to the nutrient requirement of man and could complement the conventional ones in enhancing food security and sustainable livelihood. Hence, their cultivation and consumption should be encouraged.
Highlights
Leafy green vegetables are an important component of the human diet, providing fibre, minerals, proteins and vitamins and
Leafy green vegetables are an important component of the human diet, providing fibre, minerals and vitamins and are low in calories
This study revealed the nutrient supplying potentials of the vegetables to be reliable, from the low moisture content compared to the conventional ones which indicates that these vegetables can have a prolong shelflife, can be preserved and exported
Summary
Its closest relative is H. elongatum, a species of South-Eastern South America (Johnston, 1998) It is locally called ‘Ogbe-ori akuko’ by the Yoruba in Nigeria. The name suggests an Asiatic origin, and other sources (Holm et al, 1977; Kostermans et al, 1987) indicate it originates from the Old World, but Waterhouse (1993) consider it to be of tropical America origin. It occurs as a weed in Africa, the Caribbean region of South America and Central America, tropical regions of North America and southern Asia. It has been introduced to Australia where it is found in Northern Territory and Queensland (Craven, 1996)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Gestão Ambiental e Sustentabilidade
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
