Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Nigeria.
Gonglonema latifolium ,Ocimum gratissimum ,Proximate composition ,Phytochemicals ,Vitamins ,Mineral elements ,

The comparative phytochemical and nutritional constituent of ethanolic leaves extracts of Gongronema latifolium (GL) and Ocimum gratissimum (OG) was studied. The proximate composition of OG revealed the significant percentage increase in crude protein (17.92±0.02) and fat (4.60 ±0.13)at p< 0.001 and p<0.01 respectively and non significant percentage increase in crude fibre (9.56± 0.22) with respect to GL. There were significant (p<0.001) and non significant decreases respectively in percentage carbohydrates (61.93± 0.23) and ash (6.00± 0.04) relative to GL. In quantitative phytochemical compositions, OG leaves were significantly (p<0.05) richer in flavonoids (1.90±0.01), tannins (0.79±0.01), saponins (0.68 ±0.03) and alkaloids (2.82 ±0.02) than GL. Comparatively, GL exhibited a significant (p<0.05) higher percentage of polyphenol (1.97 ± 0.02) and saponins (2.12 ±0.01) than OG. The levels of manganese, selenium, zinc, iron, copper and chromium decreased significantly (p<0.05) in OG when compared to GL. The concentrations of vitamins A, C and E were significantly (p<0.05) lower in OG as compared to GL. These plant constituents play a crucial role in human and animal nutrition, and the knowledge is fundamental to the understanding of modes of action of medicinal plants. The phytocomponents may be responsible for their medicinal value.

5 , 12 , 2015