Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiling of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) and Lagos Spinach (Celosia argentea): Unlocking Their Potential for Human Health
Archives of Advances in Biosciences,
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2025),
2 March 2025
,
Page 1-7
https://doi.org/10.22037/aab.v16i1.50357
Abstract
Introduction: Indigenous African plants are increasingly studied as sustainable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) and Celosia argentea (Lagos spinach) are widely consumed as food and medicine, yet their biomedical potential remains insufficiently explored. This study was designed to comprehensively evaluate their nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial properties.
Materials and Methods: Ripe fruits of C. albidum and leaves of C. argentea were collected and authenticated. Proximate and micronutrient analyses were conducted using AOAC methods. Phytochemicals were quantified via HPLC and GC-MS. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH and FRAP assays. Antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi was determined by MIC and MBC.
Results: C. albidum had significantly higher levels of carbohydrate (56.3 ± 1.2%) and vitamin C (41.8 ± 2.1 mg/100 g), while C. argentea was richer in protein (23.6 ± 0.9%), calcium (280.7 ± 6.3 mg/100 g), and iron (18.2 ± 0.7 mg/100 g). Phytochemical profiling revealed substantial flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and carotenoids, with C. argentea showing significantly higher flavonoids and carotenoids contents. Antioxidant assays indicated strong radical scavenging activity (DPPH IC₅₀: C. albidum 42.6 µg/mL; C. argentea 38.2 µg/mL). Both extracts inhibited microbial growth, with MIC values as low as 125 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusion: Both plants exhibit nutritional and phytochemical richness, potent antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial potential. Their integration into diets and nutraceutical development could aid in reducing oxidative stress and microbial infections.
- Chrysophyllum albidum
- Celosia argentea
- phytochemicals
- antioxidant
- antimicrobial
- nutrition
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References
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