Quantitative assessment of phytochemicals and nutritional potential of leaves and seeds of Cleome viscosa from Abakaliki, Nigeria

The phytochemicals and nutritional potential of the leaves and seeds of Cleome viscosa were assessed by determining phytochemical, proximate, vitamin and mineral compositions. Results indicate alkaloid contents of the leaves and seed as 0.21 and 6.12 mg/100g respectively. Other findings are flavonoids 0.02 and 0.45, tannins 0.08 and 1.18, phenol 0.50 and 0.04, steroids 2.66 and 0.37, saponon 0.35 and 2.77, oxalates 0.01 and 0.66, cyanide 0.61 and 1.07 mg/100g for the leaves and seed respectively. Also, the results indicate carboydrate contents of the leaves and seed as 56.44 and 40.00% respectively. Others include: Crude Protein 13.52 and 6.41, Fats 4.29 and 1.32, Crude fibre 12.52 and 27.35, Ash 4.96 and 13.10, Moisture 8.26 and 11.83%. Vitamin content indicate the order vit A NaPhytochemical analysis revealed high oxalate, phenol but low sterol content in the studied plant materials. Oxalate and cyanide levels were higher in the seeds compared to the leaves. These results suggest that Cleome viscosa is awfully nutritive despite the presence of some anti-nutrients like oxalate and cyanide.