Abstract

Nutritional Evaluation of Clerodendrum volubile (Marugbo) Leaves

The role of plants as a source of nutrients to animals for survival and development cannot be over-emphasized. Clerodendrum volubile (marugbo) is an under-utilized tropical non-conventional leafy vegetable grown in Nigeria. Nutritive, anti-nutritive, mineral and amino acid components of this plant were determined using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis unraveled a high percentage of carbohydrate (44.69%), protein (13.88%), ash (11.67%) and fibre (11.26%) contents. Mineral analysis showed high level of calcium (30.91%), potassium (27.69%), phosphorus (27.61%), magnesium (27.11%) and sodium (22.86%) while lead was absent. The composition of anti-nutrients were; 16.30, 3.67 and 2.19mg/100g for phytates, oxalates and tannin respectively. The amino acid analysis revealed that methionine was the limiting amino acid in Clerodendrum volubile. Amino acids observed in appreciable concentrations include Glu 9.88, Asp 8.14, Leu 7.60, Arg 4.68, Val 3.95, Lys 3.82, Ala 3.81, Phe 3.78, Gly 3.25, Thr 2.98, Ile 2.97 and Ser 2.35. The results obtained in this study suggest that marugbo leaves could be used as a good dietary source of minerals, carbohydrate, protein and essential amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine, arginine, valine, lysine and phenylalanine.


Author(s): Ogunwa T. H.*, Ajiboye S. A., Sholanke D. R., Awe O. B., Ademoye T. A., Oloye O. B.and Ilesanmi O. C.

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