Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Leafy vegetables play a crucial role in human nutrition due to their high content of essential nutrients. In this study, the concentration determination of various nutritional components in processed leafy vegetables, specifically Azadirachta indica (neem) and Jatropha tanjorensis, was conducted. The nutritional components analyzed included carbohydrates, crude fiber, moisture content, vitamin C, protein, and vitamin A. The leafy vegetables were processed following standard procedures to ensure accurate results. The carbohydrate content was determined using the phenol-sulfuric acid method, while the crude fiber content was analyzed using the acid detergent fiber method. The moisture content was determined by the oven-drying method, and vitamin C concentration was assessed through titration with 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol solution. Protein content was determined using the Kjeldahl method, and vitamin A concentration was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results showed that Azadirachta indica and Jatropha tanjorensis contained significant levels of carbohydrates, with values of X and Y, respectively. The crude fiber content in Azadirachta indica was found to be higher than in Jatropha tanjorensis, with values of X and Y, respectively. The moisture content in both leafy vegetables was within the recommended range for fresh produce, indicating good quality. The vitamin C concentration was higher in Azadirachta indica compared to Jatropha tanjorensis, with values of X and Y, respectively. Furthermore, the protein content in Azadirachta indica was higher than in Jatropha tanjorensis, with values of X and Y, respectively. The vitamin A concentration was also higher in Azadirachta indica compared to Jatropha tanjorensis, with values of X and Y, respectively. In conclusion, the processed leafy vegetables, Azadirachta indica, and Jatropha tanjorensis, were found to be rich sources of essential nutrients including carbohydrates, crude fiber, moisture, vitamin C, protein, and vitamin A. These findings highlight the nutritional value of these leafy vegetables and emphasize their importance in a healthy diet. Further studies can explore different processing methods to optimize the retention of these nutrients and enhance the nutritional quality of leafy vegetables for human consumption.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

One of the basic needs of man is the provision of sufficiency and nutritionally adequate food. The national food security agency aims at providing food in adequate quantity and quality to keep the pace with increasing population. However the tremendous post-harvest treatments resulted in unequal food quality (Oboh, 2003). The nation is now becoming aware of importance of food security as an effective tool in increasing food quality (Edward, 2001).

Azadirachta Indica (Neem) A. Juss (Meliaceae) is a native of Asia but has now naturalized in West Africa. The plant is commonly known as “Daibeja” or Dogonyaro” in Hausa Language. It is widely cultivated throughout Nigeria as

ornamental plant. The plant is drought resistant and therefore grows well even in the arid parts of Nigeria, growing up to 25M high, but it occurs mostly as medium sized tree (Oliver, 1959). Various parts of this plant are employed in Nigeria traditional medicine for the treatment of variety of ailments. Dogon-Yaro is used extensively in Nigeria for the treatment of malaria using aquous infusion, decoction or alcoholic extracts of the leaves. The neem plant and its derived products have shown a variety of insecticidal properties on a broad range of insect specieis (Isman, 2006).

Jatropha is a multipurpose shrub or tree, similar to the cassava plant (Elberhi, et al., 2013). Jatropha is a deciduous tree, shedding it’s leaves during the dry season. It can reach 3-5m in height and remains productive during 30 to 50 years. The leaves are smooth; 4-6 lobed, 10-15cm long and wide and are

usually pale green in colour (Raheman, 2012). Jatropha leaves are used as feed in the rearing of silk worms and in human nutritional as a vegetable for their antimicrobial and anti-flammatory properties (Makkar et al, 2009)

Parameters

Parameters carried out are as follows:

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. Two different types of vitamin A are found in the diet preformed vitamin A found in animal products such as meat, fish, poultry and dairy food. The other type pro vitamin A is fund in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy skin (Serubin, 2007).

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the main dietary components. This category of foods include sugars, starches and fibres. The primary function of carbohydrate is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system (Farrell, 2010).

Protein

Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. Protein is needed in diet to help the body repair cells and make new ones (Escott et al, 2008).

Fibre

Fibre is a substance found in plants. It is found in fruits, vegetables and grains it cannot be digested or absorbed in the small intestine. It helps prevent constipation, improved blood glucose levels (Institute of Medicine, DC, 2002).

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin hence it can dissolve in water. It is necessary for normal growth and development (Sarubin, 2007).

Moisture Content

This is the quantity of water contained in a material (rock, ceramics, fruits and leaves). Water content units efficiency of photosynthesis (Daniel et al, 2003).

Objective of Study

The objectives of study are to:

1. Determine the concentration and nutritional value of the leafy vegetables (carbohydrates, vitamin C, protein and crude fibre) in fresh and processed jatropha tanjorenissis and Azadirachta indica

1. Determine the concentration of nutritional value of leafy vegetables (vitamin A, moisture content) and to know the energy value

Scope of Study

This study is concerned with the effect of processing on the nutritional value of leafy vegetables, azadirachta indica and jatropha tanjorensis. It is felt however, that the result obtained should be used to bring corrective measures where applicable.