eng Science and Education Publishing World Journal of Organic Chemistry 2372-2169 2025-11-01 12 1 20 25 10.12691/wjoc-12-1-3 WJOC20251213 article Kodjo Selom EVENAMEDE ev_selom@yahoo.fr 1 Mamatchi MELILA 2 Essow¨¨ Badan¨¨zi POTCHO 2 Komi Michael Fulbert ADANLEMEGBE 2 Mawat¨¦ Florance BRUKUM 2 Kafui KPEGBA 2 Oudjaniyobi SIMALOU 2 Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Natural Substances (Lab COSNat), Faculty of Sciences, University of Lom¨¦, 01 BP 1515 Lom¨¦ 01, Lom¨¦, Togo Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences (FDS), University of Lome, 01Post Box 1515 Lome 01, Togo 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, ¡Ö 85% RDA), magnesium (162 mg/100 g DM, ¡Ö 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. https://pubs.sciepub.com/wjoc/12/1/3/wjoc-12-1-3.pdf Dichapetalum guineense phytochemistry metabolites minerals nutritional value