Determination of Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Constituents of Corchorus oliterious (Ewudu) Harvested in Ugep, Cross River State
Grace Ekpo
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
O. E. Eteng *
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
Stella Bassey
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
Alabi Leah
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
Kenyoh Abam
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
Saviour Ufort
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
Friday Uboh
Department of Biochemistry, College of Bioscience, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar. Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To Determine the proximate composition and phytochemicals constituents of Corchorus olitorious leaves harvested in ugep, Cross River State. The leaves were purchased locally. Methodology: The leaves were washed to remove sand and other particles like pieces of wood which may act as contaminants, thereafter the leaves were dried to a certain temperature. The dried leaves were blended into powder using a standard method of AOAC (2005) (Association of analytical chemist). Evaluation of Corchorus Oliterous for proximate and phytochemical composition were conducted using standard methods.
Results: The result obtained on the proximate composition of Corchorus Oliterious revealed the following; Moisture (84.40±0.10 mg/100g), Ash (2.90±0.10 mg/100g), Protein (4.66±0.02 mg/100g), Fibre (2.70±0.10 mg/100g), Fat (4.30±0.10 mg/100g) and Carbohydrate (85.10±0.02 mg/100g). The phytochemical analysis of the leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorious which was done both Qualitatively and quantitatively revealed the presence of alkaloids (2.40±0.10 mg/100g), glycoside (2.53±0.01 mg/100g), saponins (3.32±0.02 mg/100g), Tannins (0.47±0.01 mg/100g), flavonoid (6.30±0.10 mg/100g), reducing compounds (4.60±0.02 mg/100g) and polyphenols (6.50±0.02 mg/100g).
Conclusion: the leafy vegetables of this plant if consume in sufficient amount would contribute greatly to the nutritional requirement for human health.
Keywords: Proximate, phytochemical, polyphenols, flavonoid, saponins, alkaloids, Tannins