Qualitative Phytochemical Screening and Nutritional Potential of Dichapetalum Guineense (Dc.) Keay

Kodjo Selom EVENAMEDE^1, , Mamatchi MELILA², Essowè Badanèzi POTCHO¹, Komi Michael Fulbert ADANLEMEGBE¹, Mawaté Florance BRUKUM¹, Kafui KPEGBA¹ and Oudjaniyobi SIMALOU¹

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

Cite this paper:
Kodjo Selom EVENAMEDE, Mamatchi MELILA, Essowè Badanèzi POTCHO, Komi Michael Fulbert ADANLEMEGBE, Mawaté Florance BRUKUM, Kafui KPEGBA and 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

Abstract

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.

Keywords:
Dichapetalum guineense phytochemistry metabolites minerals nutritional value

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