Nutrient Composition of Carica Papaya Leaves Extracts
Author(s): Nwamarah Joy Ugo, Adesanmi Raymond Ade, Asogwa Tochi Joy
Background of Study: Consuming diets rich in fruits and vegetables were associated with the prevention and treatment of at least four of the leading causes of death in the developing countries. Vegetables are excellent sources of complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and several vitamins, minerals and photochemical which have a unique protective effect on health.
Objectives: This study investigated the nutrient composition of Carica papaya leaves extract.
Methods: Sample of the Carica papaya leaves were collected from Amoke lane, University of Nigeria Nsukka . The samples were processed into extract using a standard procedure; the extracts of the three samples were subjected to proximate, micronutrients and phytochemical analysis using standard methods. Data obtained were presented as means and standard deviations, and analysed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to separate means and Duncan’s multiple range test was used to compare means, Significant was determined at (p<0.05).
Results: The findings of this study revealed moisture (57.01%), fat (2.01%), ash (2.18%), protein (6.50%), crude fibre (3.10%) and carbohydrate (29.20%). Vitamins C (68.59 mg/100g), Beta carotene (303.55 mg/100g), B1 (199.31 mg/100g), B2 (295.63 mg/100g) and vitamin E (39.78 mg/100g). Minerals- phosphorus (1971.17 mg/100g), sodium (30.42 mg/100g) and potassium (80.13 mg/100g), calcium (1086.53 mg/100g) and chromium (31.10 mg/100g). Phytochemicals-flavonoid 899.53 mg/100g, alkaloid 1569.13 mg/100g, saponin 898.07 mg/100g and tannin 310.50 mg/100g.
Conclusion: This study established that Carica papaya extracts are rich source of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals and good source of proximate c