Abstract

Studies on the chemical composition of the flower of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (yellow flesh cultivar) collected from two different environments (Etebi in Eket L.G.A. and Mkpatak in Essien Udim L.G.A.) in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria were carried out using standard methods of analysis. The aim of this study was to explore the potential applications of the flower of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (yellow flesh cultivar) as a food supplement and medicament for the promotion of human health. Both samples were analyzed for their nutrients and anti-nutrient contents and phytochemical composition. The Eket sample was also analyzed for amino acid profile. The result reveals that the sample contains all the amino acids naturally present in proteins. The nutrients determined include proximate composition, vitamins and mineral elements while anti-nutrients determined include oxalates, HCN, phytic acid and tannins. The phytochemicals were cardiac glycosides, deoxy-sugars, alkaloids, terpenes, saponins and flavonoids. Both samples were significantly (p < 0.05) different in their nutritional values. The results reveal that the Eket sample is nutritionally superior to the Essien Udim sample. The high levels of nutrients and phytochemicals in these samples reveal medicinal/health advantage of the flower of Xanthosoma sagittifolium over other culinary leafy vegetables. This implies that the flower of Xanthosoma sagittifolium could be used as a food supplement and medicament for the promotion of human health.

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