Phytochemical, Antinutrient and Mineral Compositions of Leaf Extracts of Some Cassava Varieties

IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT)
e-ISSN: 2319-2402,p- ISSN: 2319-2399.Volume 10, Issue 1 Ver. I (Jan. 2016), PP 05-08
www.iosrjournals.org
Phytochemical, Antinutrient and Mineral Compositions of Leaf

Extracts of Some Cassava Varieties
C. A. Ogbuji1, N. P. David-Chukwu2
1
Department of Food Science and Technology, Abia State Polytechnic, Nigeria.

Department of Hospitality Management Technology, Abia State Polytechnic, Nigeria.
Abstract: The Phytochemical, antinutrient and mineral compositions of four cassava leaf varieties (TME 419,
TMS 92/0326, TMS 92B/0061 and NR8213) were investigated. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins,
cynogenic glycosides and saponin were determined. Antinutrients such as tannins, oxalate, phytate and trypsin
inhibitor and some mineral elements such as Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Hg, Mn, Zn were also present. The results of the
phytochemical composition showed that alkaloid values ranged from 26.03 to 38.33 mg/100g, flavonoid content
ranged from 48.07 to 58.94mg/100g, saponin content ranged from 1.58 to 1.65mg/100g,cynogenic glycosides
content ranged from 0.49 to 0.57mg/100g, and tannin content ranged from 0.45 to 0.71mg/100g. In the
antinutrient composition, the results revealed that oxalate ranged from 29.32 to 35.77mg/100g, phytate ranged
from 1.95 to 2.17mg/100g, cyanide ranged from 31.48 to 35.77mg/100g, and typsin inhibitor ranged from 0.48
to 0.72mg/100g. The mineral composition determined showed the presence of Ca (1.87-2.25mg/100g), Mg
(0.61-0.82mg/100g), K (0.31-0.40mg/100g), Na (0.24- 0.28mg/100g), P (0.36-0.49mg/100g), Mn (10.1139.03mg/g), Zn (19.90 -38.90mg/100g, Fe (77.81-127mg/100g), Pb (0.01-0.6mg/g),Cu (0.43- 0.76mg/100g and
trace amount of Hg. These results suggest that leaves from these cassava varieties can be regarded as safe and
nutritious for human and animal nutrition especially in areas experiencing food security challenges.
Keywords: Antinutrient , cassava leaf, composition, mineral, phytochemical.
I.
Introduction
Cassava is among the major staple food crops in Nigeria and in most tropical countries. Cassava leaf is
an indigenous edible vegetable leaf which is a significant source of potential alternate source of protein for both
humans and animals [1].
Cassava leaves among other edible vegetables such as fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis), bitter
leaf (Venonia amygdalina), sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) and Moringa Oleifera are inexpensive and abundant
source of proteins, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins [2][3],which are highly beneficial for the maintenance
of health and prevention of diseases. They also maintain alkaline reserve of the body because of the high
carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral content [3].
It has been reported [4] that in some countries of West African such as Sierra Leone and Liberia,
pregnant women consume cassava leaves to increase breast milk production and control stomach worms. Also
in Indonesia young cassava leaves compared to other vegetables are popular vegetables due to their high content
of proteins, minerals and vitamins [5]. The amino acids in cassava leaf compare favourably with those of milk,
cheese, Soya bean, fish and egg [6].
Different varieties of cassava leaf contain phytochemicals, minerals and antinutrients which play
important roles in human development [7].
These phytochemicals act as antioxidants or nutrient protector, and intake of cassava leaf can reduce the
risk of developing such diseases as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart diseases due to the high
phytochemical contents [1][4]. Cassava leaves also contain some antinutrients which interfere with
digestibility of nutrients [6], these antinutrients might present toxic effects depending on the amount consumed
[7]. However, the toxicity problem which affects the nutritive value of the leaf can be reduced by traditional
preparation method such as drying, pounding long periods of boiling [8]. Objectives of this work were to
investigate the antinutrient, phytochemical and mineral compositions of leaves of some cassava varieties grown
in Nigeria.
II.
Materials and Methods
The fully matured cassava leaf varieties were obtained from a farm at Umuara Okpu Umuobo,
Osisioma Ngwa L.G.A, Abia State, Nigeria.
DOI: 10.9790/2402-10110508
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Phytochemical,Antinutrient And Mineral Compositions Of Leaf Extracts Of Some Cassava Varieties

2.1
Processing Methods
The leaves were washed and allowed to drain at room temperature and dried in the oven at 600C for six
hours. They were pulverized using a grinding machine (Panasonic electric blender-model MX-GX1021), and
were stored separately in air-tight containers, protected from sunlight until required for analysis
.
2.2
2.2.1
Analyses
Phytochemical Analysis
The leaf samples were analyzed for phytochemical composition according to the methods described by
[9][10] and were determined in triplicates. The phytochemical screening of the samples such as alkaloids,
flavonoids, cynogenic glycoside, saponins and tannis were carried out as described by [11]
Determination of Antinutrient Composition

The tannin, oxalate, phytate, trypsin inhibitor, and cyanide were determined as described by the [9].
2.2.2
Determination of Mineral Composition
Mg, Zn, iron, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cu, and heavy metals were estimated using atomic absorption
spectrophotometer [9] while phosphorus was determined spectrophotometrically using [9] Molybdate-Vanadate
solution using the spectrophotometer. Na, Ca, and K were estimated using emission flame photometer [9].
2.2.3
Statistical Analysis
Replicate readings of measurements were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA), while the
means were separated using Duncans multiple Range Test [12]
III.
3.1
Results and Discussion
Phytochemical Analysis
The phytochemical composition of the cassava leaf varieties are presented in Table 1. The lowest
alkaloid content was recorded in TME 419 (26.03 mg/100g) and highest in TMS 92/0326 (38.33mg/100g),
while flavonoid was found to be highest in TMS 92B/0061 (58.37mg/100g) compared to TMS 92/0326 which
was lowest (48.07mg/100g). TMS 92B/0061 had the highest flavonoids and have been reported to exert multiple
biological effects including antibacterial, antiviral, antitoxic and anti-inflammatory activities [13]. Saponin
content of 1.66mg/100g was found in TMS 92B/0061, while TME 419 recorded the lowest level of saponin
content (1.58mg/100g). The result revealed that TMS 92B/0061 recorded the highest cyanogenic glycoside
content (0.57mg/100g) compared to other varieties. This compares with the values reported by [14] that
saponins have anti-carcinogenic properties, immune modulation activities and regulation of cell proliferation as
well as health benefits such as inhibition of the growth of cancer cells and cholesterol lowering activity.
Cynogenic glycoside content in TMS 92B/0061 (0.57mg/100g) was highest and NR8213 recorded lowest
(0.49mg/100g).Tannin
content
in
NR8213
was
highest
(0.71mg/100g) compared to all other varieties.
Table 1: Mean value of phytochemical composition of cassava leaf varieties (mg/100g)

Cassava
leaf
varieties
TME419
TMS 92/0326
TMS 92B/0061
NR8213
Alkaloids
Flavonoid
26.030.09
38.330.18
38.07 0.16
32.63 0.10
54.941.51
48.071.09
58.371.61
50.921.30
Cynogenic
glycoside
0.51 0.05
0.52 0.05
0.57 0.05
0.49 0.04
Saponin
Tanin
1.580.020
1.65 0.25
1.66 0.25
1.64 0.24
0.45 0.04
0.58 0.06
0.64 0.06
0.71 0.06
Values are means of three independent determination SEM

3.2 Antinutrient Analysis
Oxalate content is significantly (p<0.05) lower in NR8213 (29.32mg/100g) compared to TME419
(35.77mg/100g) and TME92B/0061 (34.60mg/100g). Oxalates affect calcium and magnesium metabolism and
react with proteins to form complexes which have inhibitory effect on peptin digestion [15]. The result revealed
that the phytate content was highest in TME 419 (2.17mg/100g) and lowest in TMS 92/0326 (1.95mg/100g).
The values obtained for cyanide content was lowest in NR8213 (31.48mg/100g) and highest in TMS 92/0326
(35.77mg/100g).
The tannin and trypsin inhibitor contents were lowest in NR8213 (0.71 and 0.72 respectively).
DOI: 10.9790/2402-10110508
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Table 2 :Mean value of Antinutrient composition of cassava leaf varieties (mg/100g)
Cassava
varieties
TME419
leaf
Tannin
Oxalate
Phytate
Cyanide
2.170.03
Trypsin
inhibitor
0.48 0.04
0.450.04
35.770.14
TMS 92/0326
0.580.05
31.480.11
1.95 0.08
0.61 0.06
35.770.14
TMS 92B/0061
NR8213
0.640.06
0.710.06
34.600.13
29.320.10
2.08 0.02
2.01 0.01
0.58 0.05
0.72 0.06
34.600.13
31.480.11
32.320.11
Values are means of three independent determinations SEM

3.3 Mineral Analysis
Table 3 showed the result of the mineral composition. The calcium content is highest in TMS
92B/0061(2.25mg/100g) compared to all other varieties. Calcium is good for growth and maintenance of bones,
teeth and muscles [16][17], therefore these varieties could provide veritable source of calcium. The potassium
content recorded TME 419 (0.49mg/100g), TMS 92/0326 (0.38mg/100g), TMS 92B/0061 (0.36mg/g) and
NR8213 (0.48mg/g). The result revealed the presence of Fe, Zn and Mn in higher quantities than other mineral
elements, these elements are antioxidant micronutrient [18] and their presence could therefore, boost the
immune system. Fe is an important constituent of haemoglobin. The presence of heavy metals (Hg, Pb) could be
due to bioaccumulation [19], the presence of Cu was also dictated.
Table 3: Mean value of Mineral composition of cassava leaf varieties (mg/100g)

Cassav
a
varietie
s
TME
419
TMS
92/032
6
TMS
92B/00
61
NR821
3
Ca
Mg
2.15
0.06
2.05
0.07
2.25
0.07
1.87
0.07
0.61
0.09
0.64
0.04
Na
0.40
0.02
0.24
0.02
0.36
0.02
Hg
Mn
Zn
Fe
Cu
0.49
0.01
TRAC
E
31.53
0.18
38.90
3.39
112.0
4.95
0.52
0.06
0.25
0.01
0.38
0.03
0.01
0.001
10.11
0.72
19.90
0.42
127.60
11.6
0.76
0.15
Pb
0.60
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.82
0.12
0.33
0.06
0.28
0.04
0.36
0.02
0.06
0.005
39.03
1.51
34.10
1.13
77.81
13.71
0.52
0.09
0.55
0.09
0.31
0.03
0.025
0.01
0.48
0.04
TRAC
E
16.38
2.65
26.58
2.65
86.2
12.87
0.43
0.11
0.03
0.00
5
0.02
0.01
Values are means of three independent determinations SEM
IV.
Conclusion
The analyses carried out on cassava leaf varieties showed that cassava leaves contain mineral elements
and phytochemicals that are of nutritional and biochemical importance to humans and animals. Moreover,
cassava leaves contain anti nutrients which reduces nutrient absorption and may lead to other adverse effects,
therefore, the use of appropriate processing techniques could help reduce or eliminate the adverse effects of
these antinutrients and will improve their nutritive value of cassava leaves. The antinutrient content vary with
leaf varieties, the major antinutrients in the four varieties of cassava investigated are oxalates and cyanide (Table
2). It is suggestive therefore, to develop new varieties of cassava, whose leaves can be safely used as green leafy
vegetables.
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IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT)

Phytochemical, Antinutrient and Mineral Compositions of Leaf

Department of Food Science and Technology, Abia State Polytechnic, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

Phytochemical,Antinutrient And Mineral Compositions Of Leaf Extracts Of Some Cassava Varieties

Determination of Antinutrient Composition

Determination of Mineral Composition

Results and Discussion

Table 1: Mean value of phytochemical composition of cassava leaf varieties (mg/100g)

Values are means of three independent determination SEM

Phytochemical,Antinutrient And Mineral Compositions Of Leaf Extracts Of Some Cassava Varieties

Values are means of three independent determinations SEM

Table 3: Mean value of Mineral composition of cassava leaf varieties (mg/100g)

Values are means of three independent determinations SEM

Phytochemical,Antinutrient And Mineral Compositions Of Leaf Extracts Of Some Cassava Varieties

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