Chemical composition of Senecio biafrae leaf

Abstract

This study examined the proximate, mineral, fatty acid, amino acid andvitamin compositions of Senecio biafrae leaves grown mostly in western part ofNigeria. From the results, Seneciobiafrae leaves were found to be a good source of protein (14.26±2.01%) andfiber (15.78±0.13%) by using AOAC method. The observed minerals content carriedout using atomic absorption spectrophotometer were: sodium, iron, potassium,aluminum, calcium, zinc, selenium, magnesium and cobalt. The leaves also hasessential fatty acid by using gas chromatograph technique (Linoleic,linolenic and arachidonic acids),indispensable amino acid (threonine, valine, isoleucine, leucne, tyrosine,phenylalanine, tryptophan and histidine) which was determined by using gaschromatography technique and vitamins such as vitamins E, C, K, A and vitamin Bcomplex was detected by using both AOAC and gas chromatography technique..Therefore, Senecio biafrae can be considered as a useful source of essentialnutrients for both animals and livestock.