Chemical Evaluation of the Leaves of Diplazium summattii (Nyama idim)

The nutritional and anti-nutritional potentials of leaves of Diplazium summattii (Nyama idim) was carried out in this study. Results of proximate analysis showed that the leaves contained moisture(81.01±0.12%DM),crudefat(4.00±0.11%DM),fibre (0.60±0.21%DM), ash (10.20±0.13% DM, protein (9.50±0.12%DM) and carbohydrate (73.45±0.11%DM). The moisture and carbohydrate contents showed increased levels compared other proximate parameters. The proximate composition results of the leaves of Diplazium summattii (Nyama idim) suggests that the leaves could be a good source of nutrients especially for human diet when supplemented so as to meet the daily dietary allowance. Pytochemical profile showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, tannin, phobatanins and reducing sugars in leaves of Diplazium summattii. The presence of flavonoids in leaves extract indicated possible antioxidant properties of this leafy vegetable. Anti-nutritional contents of the leaves of Diplazium summattii were very low especially the hydrocyanide and phytate levels. Elemental composition of leaves of Diplazium summattii showed increases in levels of sodium, phosphorus and calcium while levels of zinc, copper and manganese were very low in samples analyzed.