Evaluation of nutritional value of Asystasia mysorensis and Sesamum angustifolia and their potential contribution to human health

Abstract

Wild indigenous vegetables make considerable contributions to food baskets among subsistence farmers in sub‐Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate analysis, mineral composition, vitamin C content, β‐carotene content, and GC‐MS profile of crude methanolic extracts of Asystasia mysorensis and Sesamum angustifolia . Crude extracts obtained through sequential extraction using ethyl acetate and methanol were screened for the presence of secondary metabolites. Functional groups present were determined with a Shimadzu FT‐IR spectrophotometer, while β‐carotene content and ascorbic acid content were evaluated using a Shimadzu HPLC and Shimadzu UV‐VIS spectrophotometer, respectively. Secondary metabolites present in the extracts were determined qualitatively using a Shimadzu GC‐MS system equipped with a NIST spectral database. From the results obtained, the two plants could supply the recommended daily requirement for micronutrient and vitamin C content needed for a healthy diet. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in S. amgustifolia were higher as compared to A. myorensis; hence, their consumption is highly beneficial as some compounds identified in the GC‐MS profile have been reported to have medicinal properties. The findings on the mineral and chemical composition, GC‐MS profile of A. mysorensis and S. angustifolia indicate that their consumption may provide the recommended nutritional requirements needed for a healthy diet.

Fruit and vegetable consumption and serum vitamin A in lactating women: A cross‐sectional survey in urban China

“…Total fruit and vegetable consumption, and fruit consumption were associated with higher serum vitamin A concentrations, and these associations were more pronounced among lactating women without vitamin A supplements. It has been long recognized that fruit and vegetable consumption is essential to vitamin A status (Alaofè et al., 2017 ; Maina et al., 2019 ; Strobel et al., 2007 ). However, we did not observe the positive association between vegetable consumption and serum vitamin A concentrations in our two analyses.…”

“…A lactating woman's vulnerability to vitamin A deficiency is increased by the transfer of a significant amount of retinol to the infant via breast milk (Ncube et al., 2001 ). The intake of foods that are rich in pro‐vitamin A (darkly colored vegetables and fruits) is an essential way in which the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency can be curbed (Maina et al., 2019 ). In industrialized countries, preformed vitamin A accounts for nearly 65% of total vitamin A intake, and carotenoids make up 35% (Weber & Grune, 2012 ).…”

Fatty acid synthase promotes breast cancer metastasis by mediating changes in fatty acid metabolism

“…Metabolomics analysis was performed on a SHIMADZU instrument (Shimadzu Corporation). The experiments were performed following a previously described protocol ( 19 ). Raw data were obtained in a full scan mode.…”

“…. The experiments were performed following a previously described protocol (19). Raw data were obtained in a full scan mode.…”

Lantana trifolia: Phytochemical and elemental composition, proximate contents and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry profile

“…The samples were then chopped into small pieces after thoroughly washing in running water and air-dried on the laboratory bench at room temperature for 4 weeks. The dried plant samples were ground into a fine powder by using an in-house mechanical mill (Madivoli et al 2018;Maina et al 2019).…”