COMPARATIVE PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENT OF GNETUM AFRICANUM (OKAZI) AND TELFAIRIA OCCIDENTALIS (FLUTED PUMKIN) LEAVE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Plants have long been recognized as valuable sources of bioactive compounds that contribute to human nutrition, health, and disease prevention. Leafy vegetables, in particular, are consumed globally as part of daily diets and serve as essential reservoirs of phytochemicals that possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties against metabolic disorders (Okolie et al., 2018; Nwosu et al., 2020). The consumption of indigenous vegetables is increasingly gaining attention because of their ability to provide affordable nutrition and their role in traditional medicine across Africa and other developing regions (Akinmoladun et al., 2019).

Among the many indigenous vegetables, Gnetum africanum, commonly referred to as Okazi or Afang, is a perennial climber that thrives in the humid forests of Central and West Africa. It is widely consumed either raw, cooked, or as part of composite meals. Beyond its nutritional value, it has been reported to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolic acids, which have been associated with cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved immune function (Agbo et al., 2021; Adebayo et al., 2022).

In contrast, Telfairia occidentalis, popularly known as fluted pumpkin, is a domesticated and economically important vegetable crop cultivated extensively in Nigeria and other West African countries. Its leaves and seeds are consumed not only for their nutritional value but also for their medicinal benefits. The plant is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have been shown to possess antioxidant and therapeutic potentials (Ojo et al., 2019; Eze et al., 2023). Traditional medicine practitioners have employed its extracts in the management of anaemia, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders, underscoring its role as both a food and a functional plant resource (Chukwuma et al., 2020).

Phytochemicals are secondary metabolites produced by plants in response to ecological pressures, and they are increasingly studied for their role in human health and disease prevention. Compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and glycosides are abundant in leafy vegetables, and their qualitative and quantitative distribution varies across species due to factors such as genetic makeup, soil conditions, climatic variations, and stage of growth (Akinyemi et al., 2017; Obasi et al., 2021). Comparing the phytochemical content of Gnetum africanum and Telfairia occidentalis provides an important basis for understanding their nutritional and pharmacological value, as well as their potential in promoting food security and public health.

Recent scientific interest has moved toward comparative phytochemical studies of indigenous vegetables as part of the broader search for dietary interventions against non-communicable diseases. Such comparative evaluations help to highlight the strengths of underutilized wild vegetables such as Gnetum africanum when placed alongside widely cultivated crops like Telfairia occidentalis (Ajayi et al., 2024). This approach not only advances scientific knowledge but also supports conservation, cultivation, and dietary diversification strategies in Africa

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to poor dietary patterns has drawn attention to the role of plant-derived phytochemicals in promoting human health. Leafy vegetables are among the most affordable and accessible sources of these compounds, yet the consumption of indigenous species is declining as modern diets become increasingly dependent on exotic crops (Nwachukwu et al., 2019; Udeh et al., 2022). Gnetum africanum is one such indigenous vegetable that is nutritionally and culturally important but remains underutilized and poorly documented in scientific research compared to more popular crops such as Telfairia occidentalis (Agbo et al., 2021).

Although both vegetables are known to contain diverse phytochemicals, there is limited comparative data on the variation in their bioactive components. This knowledge gap restricts proper understanding of their nutritional and pharmacological contributions to diet and health. Without such comparative evidence, policy makers, nutritionists, and local communities may fail to fully harness the potential of these vegetables in combating malnutrition and chronic diseases (Ojo et al., 2019; Ajayi et al., 2024). Therefore, a comparative phytochemical study of Gnetum africanum and Telfairia occidentalis is necessary to provide scientific validation and promote their wider utilization.

1.3 Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to compare the phytochemical content of Gnetum africanum and Telfairia occidentalis leaves.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

1. To prepare crude ethanolic extracts of Gnetum africanum and Telfairia occidentalisleaves.

2. Toqualitativelyidentifythemajorphytochemicalcompoundspresent.

3. To quantitatively determine total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content(TFC).

4. Tocomparethephytochemicalcompositionofbothvegetables.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant because it addresses the need for empirical data on the comparative phytochemistry of indigenous and cultivated vegetables. By examining the phytochemical content of Gnetum africanum and Telfairia occidentalis, it provides insights into their relative contributions to nutrition and health. Such information is essential for guiding dietary choices, enhancing food diversity, and promoting the inclusion of indigenous vegetables in food systems (Eze et al., 2023; Nwosu et al., 2020).

For the scientific community, the findings will contribute to the body of knowledge on the role of phytochemicals in disease prevention and management, thereby supporting research in nutrition, pharmacognosy, and public health (Obasi et al., 2021). For policy makers, the outcomes can inform agricultural and nutritional policies that encourage the conservation and large-scale cultivation of these vegetables. At the community level, the study has the potential to increase awareness and utilization of Gnetum africanum and Telfairia occidentalis as accessible and functional food resources (Chukwuma et al., 2020; Ajayi et al., 2024).

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