Proximate Composition, Mineral and Vitamin Content of Some Wild Plants Used as Spices in Cameroon

Abstract

The aim of this work was to contribute to our knowledge of the proximate composition, mineral and vitamin content of 20 edible wild plants used as spices in Cameroon. The plant species were collected from 3 different markets in the West Region of Cameroon and analysed for their content of crude proteins, and lipid, ash, moisture, available sugars, total phenols, carotenoids, minerals (Ca, Zn, K, Na, Mg, Al, Mn, Cu and Se), and vitamins (A, E and C) as well as for their pH and colour. Results revealed that all the plants were low in moisture (7.7 to 10.5 g/100g) but high in ash content (7.7 to 10.5 g/100g). Hua gabonii (bark) (1594.5 mg/100g) was relative source of calcium, Echinops giganteus (206.4 mg/100g) exhibited the highest level of iron and Scorodophleus zenkeri (310.0 µg/100g) the highest level of selenium. Generally all the plants were found to contain low levels of Zn, Cu and Mg. Wide variations were observed for the proteins and available sugars among the samples. The lipid content of some of the plants were surprisingly relatively high as was the case with Monodora myristica (53.4 g/100g), Xylopia aethiopica (33.7 g/100g), Fagara leprieuri (32.1 g/100g), and Aframomum daniellii (23.1 g/100g). All the plants were rich in phenols, carotenoids, vitamin E and C. They are dark in colour and in solution they tended to provoke a fair acidification.

Growth Performance, Gut Microbiota and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Quails Fed Diet Supplemented with Graded Levels of <i>D. glomerata</i> Fruit Powder

“…This result is in close agreement with the findings of Kana et al [13] who recorded a decrease in FCR with the inclusion of 0.2% and 0.4% of D. glomerata in broiler feed. The present result is in agreement with those of other authors, who reported that most herbs and extracts of spices work as growth promoters by killing parasites that hinder digestibility and growth performances of birds [16,[20][21][22][23]. The decrease in feed conversion ratio in this study suggested that the digestibility of feed and the absorption of nutrients are better in quails fed D. glomerata powder fruit at 4g/kg and 6g/kg.…”

“…The difference here could also be due to the genetic difference in the birds used [19]. This spice also contains phenolic and flavonoïds compounds which act by forming complexes with many proteins, causing the destruction of bacterial membranes, making unavailable certain substrates for the bacteria and inactivate bacterial enzymes [20]. Thus the reduction of the intestinal microbial count could lead to a greater availability of some nutriments for the host and consequently improve weight gain.…”

Study of Some Zanthoxylum Species by Chemical and DNA Analysis Approaches

“…[9] Cameroon Z. zanthoxyloides extract is very different containing mainly citronellal, geraniol, citronellol, and corresponding acetates like in the publication of Z. zanthoxyloides CO 2 extract from Cameroon. [29] This sample does not contain bergapten, psoralen or methoxypsoralen derivatives found in Ghana and Burkina samples, but some p-menthanediol isomers were detected ( Figure 2). Those original molecules are well-known for their repellent properties against mosquitoes and can be found at very few level in the leaves of Eucalyptus citriodora.…”

“…[7][9] [26] [27] Zanthoxylum leprieurii (Fagara leprieurii) is also used in western Africa, with similar applications. [28] [29] A overview of bioactive compounds coming from Z. species is published. [30] The complexity of botany of Zanthoxylum and/or Fagara has been fully described since the creation of Zanthoxylum genus by Linn e (18th century).…”

The Physical, Chemical and Antioxidant Properties of the Leafs of Chaerophyllum byzantinum Boiss. Plants

“…The dry matter and fat results of researchers are close to our findings. Bouba et al 10 evaluated composition of 20 edible wild plants used as spices in Cameroon. They found that the plant's ash contents were between 7.7 and 10.5% on dry weight (DW).…”