Nutrient Composition of Brillantaisia guianensis P. Beuv Leaves

Abstract

Aim: The quantitative nutrient composition of leaves of Brillantaisia guianensis P. beuv was investigated. Source and Identification of Sample: The leaves of B. guianensis used in this study were harvested fresh from Ude plantation in Okon Aku, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. They were identified by a Taxonomist (Dr Edwin Wosu) in the Herbarium Unit of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Port Harcourt.  Study Design: The study was designed, using standard methods, to determine the proximate, amino acids, minerals and vitamins composition of the leaves.  Results: The wet leaves were high in moisture (88.4%) while the dried sample had practically no moisture, indicating that the wet leaves could easily be prone to microbial spoilage due to high water activity. Drying increased protein level from 3.50 to 28.0% and ash from 2.36 to 27.7% among other parameters. The low calorific values for wet sample (16.1 kcal/100 g) and dry sample (152.3 kcal/100 g sample) showed that the leaves are poor energy-giving foods. However, the leaves contain good amino acid profile especially the essential amino acids (valine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine and tryptophan). The nutrient mineral (Na, Ca, Mg, K, Se, P, Fe) levels were high to supply the World Health Organization recommended daily allowance for adults and children. The sample contains appreciable amount of fats and water -soluble vitamins required for growth.   Conclusion: The results show that the leaves are good sources of essential and non-essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins adequate to meet the required daily allowance for nourishment of the body.