Emmanuel Chibuike Nwosu

Evaluation of the nutritive and electrolyte values of edible plants is currently essential for human nutrition and safety. This work assessed the proximate and mineral composition of the leaves of Chaya plant (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) consumed in Niger Delta Nigeria for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Chaya is commonly known in this southern area of Nigeria as ‘hospital is too far’ or ‘ogwu obala’. The study showed that the dried leaves of the plant contain 47.03 ±1.02% of nitrogen free extract; 33.04± 3.14% of crude fibre; 7.03±0.23% of crude fat; 4.03±0.67% of crude protein, while moisture and ash made up 6.10±1.10% and 3.04±0.32%, respectively. A gram of the dried leaves yielded (in mg) 10±1.2, 20±1.6, 0.01±0.1, 100±5.3, 85±4.32, 18±2.1 and 50±2.3 of Iron, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Calcium, respectively. The energy yield of the leaves was 258±4.5kcal/100 mg. These results suggested the comparative richness of the leaves in fibre, high nitrogen free extract (carbohydrate) and essential minerals. Properly prepared leaves are therefore recommended for daily consumption in order to supplement the recommended daily intake of nutrients and minerals and hence prevent nutritional and electrolyte deficiency disorders.