Proximate, vitamin assays and anti-oxidant properties of an underutilised indigenous vegetable Heliotropium indicum L. (Lamiales: Boraginaceae) in West Africa in enhancing diet diversification

Muibat Bello , Tomilayo Amusan , Oluwole Oladeji

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 μg/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.

Keywords
Malnutrition; Dietary diversification; Proximate analysis; DPPH radical; Food security.

Resumo
Composição centesimal, vitaminas e propriedades anti-oxidantes de um vegetal nativo subutilizado Heliotropium indicum L. (Lamiales: Boraginaceae) na África Ocidental na melhoria da diversificação da dieta. Os vegetais de folhas verdes são componentes importantes das dietas humanas, fornecendo fibra, minerais e vitaminas. Recentemente, plantas não convencionais são incorporadas na dieta para fornecer não só nutrientes, mas também o tratamento tradicional para várias doenças. De forma a combater o efeito devastador da desnutrição, deve haver uma intervenção a longo prazo, como a diversificação da dieta, que pode ser alcançada através do aumento da produção de alimentos produzidos localmente e vegetais não convencionais. Este estudo analisou a composição centesimal e o potencial antioxidante de Heliotropium indicum L. (Lamiales: Boraginaceae). A composição centesimal foi realizada utilizando os métodos descritos pela Associação de Químicos Analíticos Oficiais (AOAC). As vitaminas foram quantificadas por cromatografia líquida de alto desempenho (HPLC). O teor de minerais foi determinado pela técnica de espectrofotometria por absorção atômica (AAS). A atividade anti-oxidante foi testada espectrofotometricamente utilizando ácido ascórbico e ácido gálico como padrões. Os constituintes nutrientes revelaram que o teor de gordura variou entre 0,67 + 0,05% e o conteúdo de cinzas variou entre 15,7 + 0,04%. Os níveis variáveis de vitaminas, como ácido ascórbico, retinol, tocoferóis, riboflavina, tiamina e niacina foram quantificados nas amostras. O teor de ácido ascórbico variou entre 622,6 mg/100 g. Os extratos aquosos das amostras significativamente (P < 0,05) inibiram o radical DPPH com um valor IC₅₀ de 38 μg/mL. É evidente, a partir deste estudo, que este vegetal nativo, que não é amplamente conhecido e consumido, é de alta qualidade nutricional e potencial antioxidante. Este vegetal pode contribuir significativamente para suprir a necessidade de nutrientes do homem e poderia complementar os nutrientes convencionais no reforço para a segurança alimentar e para os meios de subsistência sustentáveis. Portanto, seu cultivo e consumo devem ser encorajados.

Palavras-chave
Má-nutrição; Diversificação dietética; Composição centesimal; Radicais DPPH; Segurança alimentar.

DOI
10.21438/rbgas.030608

Texto completo
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