NUTRITIONAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILING OF Vernonia amygdalina AND Dacryodes edulis LEAVES: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.
*OKUGBO, O. T.,1 KILLIAN, A. E.,2 OMORALOJIE, F. O.,2 AGHAYERE, F.,1 EBHONU, J. P.,2 ERHOVWOSERE, O.3 AND OMOREGIE, E. S.3
ABSTRACT
This study provides an in-depth analysis of the nutritional composition and phytochemical profile of aqueous extracts from Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) and Dacryodes edulis (D. edulis) leaves. Proximate and mineral analyses, along with phytochemical screening and HPLC quantification, were conducted to evaluate their nutritional and phytochemical constituents. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the two plants in crude protein, ash content, moisture content, nitrogen-free extracts, crude fiber, and crude lipids. Macro and micronutrient compositions also varied, with V. amygdalina having higher concentrations of zinc, iron, potassium, sodium, and magnesium, while D. edulis had higher levels of…