Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSES OF PINEAPPLE FRUIT (ANANAS COMOSUS) AND FLUTED PUMPKIN LEAVES (TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS)

*Ikeyi Adachukwu P., Ogbonna Ann O. Inain Diepreye E. and Ike Augusta O.

Abstract

Evidence suggests that diets high in fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of chronic diseases. Phytochemicals like saponin, flavonoids, glycosides and tannins from fruits and vegetables may play key roles in amelioration of diseases. Pineapple is a widely consumed source of nutrient. Fluted pumpkin leaf (Telfairia occidentalis) is also a well known vegetable used in the Western part of Nigeria. It is generally called Ugu in Igbo land. This study was carried out to qualitatively determine the presence of phytochemicals in Ananas comosus and Telfairia occidentalis. The two widely eaten fruit and vegetables in Nigeria. Extract of pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruits were screened and the extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and tannins. The results of phytochemicals in Telfairia occidentalis revealed the presence of saponin, tannin, alkaloids and slight presence of flavonoids. These results suggest that regular consumption of Telfairia Occidentalis and Ananas comosus could ameliorate malnutrition.

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