Total Phenolic, Flavonoid, Vitamins C And E Contents Of Indigenous Vegetables: (Basella Alba, Cucurbita, Solanum Melongena), Consumed In Umuahia, Abia State.

ABSTRACT

The total phenolic content, flavonoid content, vitamin C and E content, of B. alba, C ficifolia and S. melongena consumed in Umuahia Abia State was investigated. The total phenolic content was determined using Folin-cioCalteu method, while flavonoids were determined using the own method. Vitamin C and E were determined using standard methods. The results revealed that 100g portion of the fresh leaves of B. alba, Cficfo1ia and S. Melongena contained 65±3.2mg, 80±4.50mg, 20±1.0mg, Vitamin C respectively. Vitamin B content was 2.0±0.06mg, 3.80±0.04mg, and 2.50±0.06mg/100g portion of each vegetables respectively. The total phenolic content expressed in catechin equivalents ranged from 0.98±0.006mg/g in B alba to 3.98±0.03mg/g in S.melongena, while the total flavonoid content was 0.08±0.003mg, 1.3±0.03mg, 2.0±0.02mg Quercetin equivalent/g extract in B alba, C.ficifolia S. melongena respectively. Total phenolic and flavnoids were relatively more abundant in C.ficifolia and B. alba respectively. Therefore consumption of these vegetables may be a cheap and readily available source of antioxidant vitamins and pytochemicals and my impact associated benefits to health and nutrition.