Chemical Profile of Tridax procumbens Linn

Abstract

The proximate, mineral and phytochemical composition of T. procumbens was investigated. The proximate profile included moisture (90.05±0.00%), crude protein (3.44±0.00% WW and 34.57±0.00% DW), crude fat (0.60±0.02% WW and 6.03±0.20%), total carbohydrate (5.10±0.02% WW and 51.26±0.20% DW), crude fibre (0.61±0.04% WW and 6.13±0.40% DW), total metabolizable energy value (39.56±0.26kcal/100 g WW and 397.59±2.61kcal/100 g DW) and a total ash content of 0.20±0.02% WW and 2.01±0.20% DW, which is rich in sodium (5.02 mg/100 g WW and 50.44 mg/100 g DW), potassium (3.18 mg/100 g WW and 31.92 mg/100 g DW) and calcium (2.09 mg/100 g WW and 20.96 mg/100 g DW). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, carotenoids, flavonoids (catechins and flavones), saponins and tannins. It is richly endowed with carotenoids (9.41 mg/100 g WW and 94.57 mg/100 g DW) and saponins (10.30mg/100g WW and 103.52mg/100g DW). This result suggests the likelihood of this plant serving as a potential source of protein supplements and pro vitamin A (carotenoids) to the population. It also indicates that dehydration can improve the nutritional quality of Tridax procumbens.