Phytochemicals, In vitro Bioavailability of Beta Carotene and Anti-nutrient Composition of Some Neglected Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables and Fruits in South East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

Background/Objective: Vegetables and fruits are important sources of protective substances, which are highly beneficial for the maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. The study was designed to determine the phytochemicals, In-vitro-bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrient composition of some neglected underutilized fruits and vegetables in Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

Methodology: The frequently occurred underutilized fruits and vegetables were selected for the study. The food crops were harvested and identified at the Herbarium in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Twenty underutilized fruits and vegetables each were cleaned and analysed for phytochemicals, In vitro bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrients composition using standard methods. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation and frequency.

Results: The result showed that 0 - 40% of beta carotene were bioavailable in the fruits studied. The antinutrient levels in fruits were cyanide (0.02-3.47 mg), oxalate 1.22-12.38 mg and phytate traces- 12.60 mg. The range of phytochemicals in the fruits were tannins trace-10.40 mg, flavonoids 0-0.10%, saponins trace-0.051 mg, lycopene trace-94.20 mg, and phenol 0-4.01mg. The antinutrient levels in vegetables were cyanide 0.35-13.20 mg, oxalate 2.27-24.69 mg and phytate traces- 2.57 mg. The result showed that 22- 68.80% of beta carotene were bio available in the vegetables studied. The phytochemicals in the vegetables were tannins 0.10-10.30 mg, flavonoids trace-0.20%, saponins trace-0.10 mg, lycopene trace-31.20 mg and phenol 0.01-3.31 mg.

Conclusion: The use of these neglected fruits and vegetables is imperative because of their nutritional and health benefit.