Chemical Composition of Jathropha aconitifolia and Colocasia esculenta and Impact of Their Extracts on the Zinc, Iron and Vitamin A Metabolism in Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition of Jatropha aconitifolia and Colocasia esculenta leaves and determine the impact of their extract on the zinc, iron and vitamin A metabolism in rats. Fresh Jatropha aconitifolia and Colocasia esculenta leaves that were not attacked by pests and not damaged during harvesting were collected from ornamental garden in front of No 20 Alvin Loving close University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria and used for the study. The leaves were cleaned and analyzed fresh for nutrient and antinutrient composition. The leaves extract were collected and supplemented with rat chow for rat feeding. Blood samples were drawn with heparinized tube into heparinized bottle for chemical analysis (Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, serum iron, serum zinc, serum retinol, red blood cells and white blood cells). All the analysis were done in triplicate using standard method. The findings indicated that Jatropha aconitifolia leaf was a superior source of beta-carotene (41.29vs20.78 µg/g), ascorbate (1316.30vs1313.47 mg), zinc (23.00 vs 3.00mg), iron (14.04vs 4.19 mg), and calcium (199.00vs 105.70 mg) compared to Colocasia esculenta leaf. The cyanide content (6.00 and 17.00mg) of both leaves were below the toxic limit (35.00mg). Oxalate (1.22g and 1.25g) were below the toxic limit (2.20g/100g). The rats fed rat chow with Jatropha aconitifolia and Colocasia esculenta extract improved the hematological parameters determined but were significantly different (p< 0.05) and lower than the rats fed rat chow and ferrous sulphate. The high nutrient profile of Jatropha aconitifolia and Colocasia esculenta has some nutritional implication. They could be incorporated in the diet to reduce micronutrient deficiency diseases. Consumption of the leaves would help to prevent and fight iron deficiency anemia.