CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF THE EDIBLE LEAVES OF PTEROCARPUS-MILDBRAEDII

Proximate composition, mineral element content, amino acid profile and the levels of some antinutrients in the edible leaves of Pterocarpus mildbraedii were determined. Moisture content was assayed as 85.12 per cent (wet weight). Protein, fat, ash and fibre contents of the leaf (p ercent dry weight) were 25.84, 5.23, 6.44 and 7.56 respectively. Miner al element analysis showed high levels of calcium, potassium, magnesiu m, iron, copper, manganese and zinc. However, the level of sodium in t he vegetable was low. Amino acid profile indicated that the leaf is ri ch in essential amino acids. The antinutrient levels of hydrogen cyani de and oxalate were low. The paper suggests the need to meet nutrient requirements through an increased use of this cheap but less popular f ood item with good nutritive potential.