Taurocholate Binding Capacity and Water Holding Capacity of Some Wild Leafy Vegetables of Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Taurocholate binding capacity (TBC) and water holding capacity (WHC) of twelve wild leafy vegetables commonly consumed in northern Nigeria were studied. Taurocholate binding capacity varied between 17.36±2.58 to 31.02±1.21mg/g. Results obtained showed that Celtis africana had the highest taurocholate binding value of 31.02±1.21 mg/g followed by Hibiscus cannabimis (30.02±1.23) and Balanite aegyptiaca (30.12±3.23mg/g). The lowest taurocholate binding capacity value was observed in Apuim gravealens (21.73±0.25mg/g). While the highest water holding capacity value was observed in Celtis africana (2.24±0.28mg/g), closely followed by Balanite aegyptiaca (2.08±0.11mg/g) and Moringa oleifera (1.88±0.13mg/g). Corchorus oloitoms, Solanium nigrum and Mormodica basalmina had the lowest water holding capacity value (1.02±0.04, 1.21±0.01 and 1.27±0.05mg/g respectively). Thus indicating that these wild vegetables contain high fiber and have the potential to reduce cholesterol considerably from the body and other related diseases.