Characterization of the Physicochemical and Energetic Properties of Alchornea cordifolia Leaves and Fruits Harvested in three Regions of Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to enhance the nutritional value of the leaves and fruits of Alchornea cordifolia by characterizing the physicochemical compounds through their dosage. Study Design:  To solve health problems, humans use different methods, including the use of spontaneous wild plants such as Alchornea cordifolia. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Agro-valorization laboratory of the Jean Lorougnon Guédé University of Daloa between November 2023 and July 2024. Methodology: The plant material consisted of leaves and fruits of Alchornea cordifolia harvested from three regions. The characterization of the pH and lipid ash, pH, dry matter, carbohydrates, energy values contents was carried out by official analysis methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), proteins by the Kjeldahl method, lipids by the Soxhlet method, fibers by the Weende method, and total and reducing sugars were determined using the UV-VIS spectrophotometry method by spectrophotometric use. Results: the samples analysed contain the highest average content of proteins 15.11% for young leaves, 3.7% lipids, 3.9% pH, 58.69% carbohydrates and 261.63 kcal energy value. In terms of dried leaves, 6.02% ash, 91.80% dry matter and 37.83% fibre. Mature leaves record 6.66% total sugars and 3.2% reducing sugars. Conclusion: In conclusion, these leaves, whether young, dried, or mature, offer a variety of essential nutrients that can meet different nutritional needs, ranging from protein and energy intake to digestion and mineral intake.