1Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances (Lab COSNat), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, 01 BP 1515 Lomé 01, Lomé, Togo
2Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences (FDS), University of Lome, 01Post Box 1515 Lome 01, Togo
World Journal of Organic Chemistry.
2025,
Vol. 12 No. 1, 20-25
DOI: 10.12691/wjoc-12-1-3
Copyright © 2025 Science and Education PublishingCite this paper: Kodjo Selom EVENAMEDE, Mamatchi MELILA, Essowè Badanèzi POTCHO, Komi Michael Fulbert ADANLEMEGBE, Mawaté Florance BRUKUM, Kafui KPEGBA, Oudjaniyobi SIMALOU. Qualitative Phytochemical Screening and Nutritional Potential of
Dichapetalum Guineense (Dc.) Keay.
World Journal of Organic Chemistry. 2025; 12(1):20-25. doi: 10.12691/wjoc-12-1-3.
Correspondence to: Kodjo Selom EVENAMEDE, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances (Lab COSNat), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lomé, 01 BP 1515 Lomé 01, Lomé, Togo. Email:
ev_selom@yahoo.frAbstract
Introduction: Dichapetalum guineense is an underexplored leafy vegetable traditionally used in West Africa for both food and medicinal purposes. Despite its ethnobotanical importance, little is known about its nutritional and phytochemical properties. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate the nutritional potential of its leaves. Methods: Leaves of D. guineense were collected in Lomé, Togo, dried, powdered, and subjected to aqueous, ethanolic, and hydroethanolic extractions. Standard qualitative phytochemical tests were performed, while proximate composition, energy value, and mineral contents were determined following AOAC methods. Safety assessment included the analysis of antinutritional factors. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, and terpenoids in all extracts, whereas alkaloids, coumarins, anthocyanins, and mucilages were absent. Nutritional analysis showed high calcium (763 mg/100 g DM, ≈ 85% RDA), magnesium (162 mg/100 g DM, ≈ 39% RDA), and iron (5.68 mg/100 g DM, up to 21% RDA), with zinc levels (7.63 mg/100 g DM) exceeding those of spinach and moringa. The Na/K ratio was favorable for hypertension prevention. The leaves also contained 11.9 g/100 g DM of protein, 13.2 g/100 g DM of lipids, 25.7 g/100 g DM of dietary fiber, and very low digestible carbohydrates (2.2 g/100 g DM), yielding a moderate energy value of 278 Kcal/100 g DM. Cyanides and nitrites were absent. Conclusion: D. guineense leaves are nutrient-dense, with high protein, mineral, and fiber content, suggesting utility as a functional food for addressing malnutrition, anemia, and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa. Their complementary composition compared to spinach and moringa further supports their integration into diets and nutraceutical applications.
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