Nutrient, phytochemical and carotenoid profiles of two cultivars of Pterocarpus santalinoides (nturukpa) as affected by selected processing methods

Two cultivars of Pterocarpus santalinoides ( Nturukpa) ( light green Avuo and dark green oseleukwu) were investigated for their nutrient composition, phytochemical content and carotenoid profiles. The effects of oven-drying at 55 ⁰ C for 1h 20 min; sauteeing in palm oil for 3 min and blanching in boiling water for 5 min on the nutrients and phytochemicals were evaluated. The nutrient content showed that the leaves were rich in protein (14.0%) and vitamin B6 73mg/100g). The leaves are also moderate sources of iron (6.2-7.4%), magnesium (42-44%), zinc (1.2%) and potassium (45.0-55.0%). Raw light green Avuo contained the highest amount of folate (vitamin B ₉ ). The pheolic contents, cyanogenic glycosides, anthocyanins, and phytates of the two P. santalinoides cultivars were statistically similar (p>0.05). Steroids, oxalate, tannins and alkaloids (7.7%) were higher in the light coloured cultivar (Avuo) while saponins and flavonoids (1.1%) were higher (p <0.5) in the dark green cultivar (Oseleukwu). The α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, and total β-carotene contents of the two P.santaniloides cultivars were statistically similar (P> 0.05). The most predominant peak in the chromatogram of the P. santalinoides was trans-beta-carotene. The nutrient and phytochemical composition of the two cultivars of P. santalinoides indicate that they are good sources of micronutrients and possess medicinal value.