Evaluation of anti-nutritional factors and nutritive values of four wild edibles vegetables consumed at Kisangani city and its surroundings (Tshopo province,DR Congo)

A study on the toxic and nutritional values of four wild vegetables (Ipomoea aquatica, Dewevrea bilabiata, Vitex welwitschii and Vernonia hochstetteri) was performed before and after cooking. In this study, it appears that these wild vegetables can be dietary supplements of values in those for crude protein, fat, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6 and C). The leaves of Ipomoea aquatica are particularly rich in lipids (21 gr/100 gr), vitamin B2 (0.38 mg %), vitamin C (0.2 mg%). The Dewevrea bilabiata leaves are rich in crude protein (0.04 mg/100g r), vitamin B2 (0.38 mg%), vitamin B6 (0.8 mg%), vitamin C (0.2 mg%) and leaves of Vitex welwitschii rich in vitamin A (0.75 mg/100 gr), vitamin B1 (1.33 mg/100 gr), vitamin C (0.2 mg%). However, these vegetables also contain some undesirable substances including alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and terpenes, traces of toxic substances such as cyanide and nitrites before cooking. After cooking, these substances and toxic components disappear. Similarly, cooking significantly reduced the levels of different nutrients. All these results justify the use of these plants in the diet of the population living around Kisangani city. A cooking these vegetables at moderate temperatures is recommended.