Proximate, Phytochemicals and Reducing Power of Leaf Extracts of Colocasia esculenta and Ipomoea batatas

Background: Reports has shown that edible leaves of vegetable plants serve both nutritional and medicinal purposes, yet are poorly utilized due to inadequate enlightenment of the major populace on their compositions.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the proximate, phytochemicals and reducing power of leaf extracts of Colocasia esculenta and Ipomoea batatas.

Methodology: Washed and air dried leaf samples were milled and subjected to proximate and phytochemical analysis. Determination of calcium, iron and sodium content was by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Reducing power was determined by the Potassium ferricyanide reducing power method.

Results: Ipomoea batatas leaves was found to be higher in moisture (14.05%) and carbohydrate (29.33%) while Colocasia esculenta leaves was higher in ash (10.00%), Crude fiber (16.27%), Fat (10.17%) and protein (29.41%). A better antioxidant activity and higher levels of all phytochemicals and minerals were observed in leaves of Colocasia esculenta compared to leaves of Ipomoea batatas.

Conclusion: This study suggests that both leaves are of importance to human nutrition considering the observed levels of nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. While C. esculenta leaves should be preferred for its nutrient and antioxidant advantages, both leaves can contribute immensely to the daily nutrient requirements.