Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

This study investigated the proximate, mineral composition, vitamin and anti-nutrient contents of Conoclinium coelestinum leaves. The proximate, mineral, vitamins and anti-nutrient analysis were carried out using standard procedures (AOAC methods, High performance liquid chromatography and Atomic absorption spectrometry). The results obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented as Mean ± SD (Standard Deviation) of triplicate determinations. Proximate analysis revealed % moisture content (7.77 ± 0.03), carbohydrate (45.52 ± 0.03 g/100g), crude protein (28.71 ± 0.02 g/100g), ash (13.53 ± 0.04 g/100g), % crude fat (4.40 ± 0.01 g/100g) and crude fibre (11.66 ± 0.03 g/100g). Results of the mineral content analysis were; K (1.02 ± 0.05mg/kg), Zn (24.99 ± 0.05 mg/kg), Na (45.04 ± 0.04mg/kg), Ca (1.07 ± 0.02mg/kg), Co (0.10 ± 0.01mg/kg), Mg (0.01 ± 0.01mg/kg), Se (1.01 ± 0.10mg/kg), Fe (75.06 ± 0.04mg/kg), Mn (10.05 ± 0.04mg/kg), and P (0.12 ± 0.01mg/kg). The results also revealed the presence of thiamine (0.057mg/100g), niacin (0.148mg/100g) riboflavin (0.025mg/100g), ascorbic acid (00.150mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.681mg/100g). Anti-nutrients present in the leaf extract were cardiac glycosides, tannins and terpenoids. The results revealed that Conoclinium coelestinum leaf is a beneficial forb with high content of iron, zinc, sodium, manganese, calcium, potassium and appreciable content of moisture, ash, fiber, carbohydrates, protein and calorie crucial for healthy physiological function and immunity. Although minute quantities of anti-nutritional factors were found in the leaves (0.681mg/100g of Trypsin inhibitor, 2.12mg/100g Phytic acid and 0.101mg/100g oxalic acid), the nutritional benefits of iron in hemoglobin formation and oxygen transport makes the C. coelestinum a potential hit in the management of iron deficiency disorders and anemia.