Abstract
The regional variability and age–age correlation on vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and minerals (Ca, Mg, P, K, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn) concentration in baobab leaves were investigated. Baobab was cultivated from seeds from 11 countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Tanzania, Togo, Senegal, and Sudan. Vitamins B1 and B2 content were assessed using microbiological VitaFast kits methods and minerals by atomic absorption and flame spectrometry methods. Overall, the results showed a higher content of vitamin B2 compared to vitamin B1 with the highest vitamin B2 content (1.04 ± 0.05 mg/100 g DM) from Senegal. The highest iron (Fe) content of 26.39 mg/100 g was found in baobab leaves from Mali. For age–age correlation, adult baobab leaves of Nankoun in Burkina Faso provided the highest calcium (Ca) content of 3373 mg/100 g. However, for provenance trial, young plants from three communities of Burkina Faso showed the highest calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) content. The study demonstrated that vitamins B1 and B2 and mineral contents in baobab leaves vary with the country and the age of the tree. Vitamin B1 content was higher in baobab leaves from ascendants compared to those from descendants, while in contrast vitamin B2 content was higher in the leaves from the descendants compared to their ascendants (mother tree).
Highlights
In several regions of Africa (Sahel) as well as elsewhere, leafy vegetables play an important role in people’s lives
Baobab leaves from Malawi had the highest content of vitamin B1 (0.41 mg/100 g) whilst those from Mozambique, Tanzania, and Senegal had the lowest content (0.16 mg/100 g)
For vitamin B2, the highest content of 1.04 mg/100 g was found in baobab leaves from Senegal and the lowest (0.20 mg/ 100 g) recorded in baobab leaves from Mozambique
Summary
In several regions of Africa (Sahel) as well as elsewhere, leafy vegetables play an important role in people’s lives In these areas, leafy vegetables provide income for rural populations, in addition to being a source of essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, which often lack from the staple-based meals (Kahane et al 2005). Among these leafy plants, stands baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) wherein its products (leaves, fruits and bark) are used for food and medicinal treatment.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
