Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Constituents and Cytotoxicity of Dipcadi glaucum (Burch. ex Ker Gawl.) Baker

Authors : Christopher Chapano, Chakare Benhura, Shakkie Kativu, Charlotte Sletten Bjorå, Brita Stedje, Clemence Zimudzi

Pages : 41-50

Doi:10.18615/anadolu.1576367

View : 43 | Download : 34

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical, nutritional and mineral content of Dipcadi glaucum, a wild edible species in Zimbabwe. Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods were used to analyse the moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy levels of leaves and bulbs of D. glaucum. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to establish presence and levels of Calcium and Phosphorus. Nutritional analysis indicated that D. glaucum bulbs had higher energy levels than leaves at 310.9 and 295.6 Kcal/100g, respectively. The crude fibre content of bulbs was also higher than that of leaves at 5.0% and 2.6%, respectively. Ash contents were higher in leaves (26%) than in bulbs (14.0%). Calcium and Phosphorus contents were similarly higher in leaves than in bulbs. The phytochemical analysis established presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and terpenoids in both leaves and bulbs. Steroids and saponins were detected in both bulbs and leaves. Results of the cytotoxicity test revealed LC50 values higher than 1000 ug/ml, indicating that the species is nontoxic to the brine shrimps. Findings of this study suggest that D. glaucum is an important nutritional and mineral supplement.
Keywords : Asparagaceae, Dipcadi glaucum, phytochemicals, toxicity

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL