Proximate and Mineral Composition Analysis of the Leaves of Amaranthus cruentus and Ocimum gratissimum in Some Selected Areas of Lagos State, Nigeria

Vegetables are commonly grown crops all over the world. Thus, this study tends to determine proximate and mineral composition analysis of two commonly consumed vegetable leaves; African spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) and scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) in relation to locations. The plants samples were collected from three different locations in Lagos State Nigeria, namely; Lasu campus in Ojo, Abule-Ado in Amuwo-Odofin and Agric Farm in Ikorodu area. The experiments were carried out using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis results revealed that the values of moisture content, crude fat, crude fibre, crude proteins, carbohydrate and ash content ranged between 15.67 - 77.43%, 1.40 - 3.67%, 2.76 - 11.00%, 2.80 - 10.53%, 5.80 - 30.87% and 6.90 - 31.37% respectively. Mineral element analysis showed that the leaf samples of A. cruentus and O. gratissimum contained appreciable amounts of Calcium (13.65 - 23.00 mg/100g), Sodium (21.10 - 34.80 mg/100g), Iron (13.03 - 28.13 mg/100g) and Zinc (31.03 - 36.53 mg/100g). Although minute quantities of Lead (0.01 – 0.02mg/100g) were recorded in the two leaf samples, Cadmium was however not detected in the leaf samples. This study has shown that the leaves of A. cruentus and O. gratissimum are rich sources of nutrients and minerals essential for optimal growth and development of human and farm animals and these nutrients and mineral compositions are relatively influenced by environmental factors and or human activities.