ABSTRACT
Proximate analysis, phytochemical screening and vitamin C content of the leaves of Cucurbita pepo Linn were evaluated. The leaves extract were analyzed for their chemical composition which included moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash content, carbohydrate fraction, phytochemicals and Vitamin C content using standard methods. The leaves of C. pepo have an ash content of 11.09% + 0.12 S.E.M, crude fibre 2.15% + 0.04 S.E.M, crude protein content of 6.75% + 0.63 S.E.M, crude fat 6.17% + 0.27 S.E.M, Carbohydrate 73.85% + 1.05 S.E.M, moisture content of 13.89% + 0.18 S.E.M and Vitamin C content of 4.06mg/100g + 0.18 S.E.M. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts revealed the presence of glycosides, phenols, eugenols, terpernoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins. A marked absence of steroids and tannins was also recorded. However, this was in contrast to ethanolic extracts with a marked absence of terpenoids and tannins. Also, this study revealed that C. pepo leaf extract may have a significant antioxidant and antiinflammatory activity due to the moderate vitamin C content. This study has shown that leaves of Cucurbita pepo Linn are rich sources of nutrients and phytochemicals and can contribute significantly to the nutrient requirements and health conditions of humans.
