Nutritional composition of some Piper nigrum (L.) accessions from Nigeria

Abstract

Proximate, mineral, vitamins and phytochemical compositions of nine accessions of Piper nigrum leaves and fruits were investigated in order to assess their nutritional value. The result showed that all the nutritional traits of the leaves and fruits of these accessions varied significantly (P<0.01). the result of the proximate composition showed that the leaves contained protein (17.46 -20.30%), ash (10.30-12.94%), carbohydrate (42,32-46.17%), fat (3.59-4.04%), fibre (10.64-13.62%) and energy (273.68-295.67 kcal/100g) while the fruits contained protein (8.44 -9.18%), carbohydrate (51.37-53.74%), fate (12.77-15.05%), fibre (5.13.5.50% and energy (361.65 -384.18 kcal/100g). Elemental analysis r e- vealed that the calcium and magnesium content of the accession was high while zinc and iron was moderate. These a c- cessions of Piper nigrum were high in vitamin C but had low levels of thiamine, riboflavin and niacin while it was o b- served that higher phytochemicals occurred in the fruits than in the leaves. The result obtained in this study indicates that the leaves and fruits of Piper nigrum contain nutrients and mineral elements that determine their nutritional value. The presence of bioactive compounds may justify their medicinal value and confirm its nutritive importance for body health .