Nutritional Quality and Phytochemical Studies of Solanum anguivi (Lam.) Fruits

Abstract

Solanum anguivi (Lam.) is a wild or semi-domesticated vegetable locally consumed in Nigeria. The fruits of this plant were collected and subjected to nutritional and phytochemical investigation. The phytochemical constituents were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively and the results revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, steroids and triterpenoids. The presence of these bioactive secondary metabolites supports its medicinal values. Results obtained for the proximate analysis showed that the percentage composition values of moisture content were 4.58 14?"> 0.11, ash 8.89 14?"> 0.02, crude fat 5.68 14?"> 0.05, crude protein 36.35 14?"> 1.63, crude fiber 15.50 14?"> 0.71 and carbohydrate 28.98 14?"> 0.78. The high crude fiber, crude protein and carbohydrate content  in the eggplant fruits together with substantial amount of  mineral like Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Phosphorus and Magnesium support its nutritional importance to man. Absence of mineral elements such as Nickel, Cadmium and Lead makes the fruits save for human consumption.

Keywords: phytochemical constituent, proximate analysis, eggplant, Solanum anguivi, Ekiti State.