Comparative nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Aframomum melegueta leaves and seeds

Abstract

Aframomum melegueta (alligator pepper) is a West African plant valued for its culinary and medicinal properties; however, the nutritional composition of its leaves remains less studied than that of its seeds. This study conducted a comparative analysis of the proximate, mineral, vitamin, and anti-nutritional profiles of the leaves and seeds to establish their complementary dietary roles. Plant samples were collected from a cultivated farm, authenticated, dried at 45–50 °C for 48 h, and ground into fine powder prior to analysis. The results showed that the seeds contained higher protein (5.49%), fat (8.13%), carbohydrate (67.34%), and energy (365.70 kcal/100 g) contents, whereas the leaves were richer in fibre (24.11%) and ash (5.09%). Mineral analysis indicated that calcium (24.67 mg/100 g) and magnesium (34.40 mg/100 g) were more abundant in seeds, whereas potassium (649.30 mg/100 g), sodium (41.23 mg/100 g), and phosphorus (697.00 mg/100 g) were significantly higher in leaves. Vitamin profiling revealed superior antioxidant potential in leaves, with elevated vitamin A (10.27 µg/100 g) and C (6.03 mg/100 g) content, while seeds provided more vitamin B2 and B3 (0.62 mg/100 g and 0.42 mg/100 g, respectively). Anti-nutritional factors, such as hydrogen cyanide and oxalates, were more pronounced in leaves, although both plant parts offer complementary health benefits. These findings highlight the potential of A. melegueta as a source of functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals, with appropriate processing required to mitigate anti-nutrient levels and enhance its contribution to food security.