Nutritional Profiling of Selected Solanaceous Species from Sudan: A Proximate Analysis of Leaves and Fruits

Abstract

In Sudan, the flora of Solanaceae is diverse and adapted to a wide range of ecological zones, from arid and semi-arid regions to more humid environments. Despite the economic, nutritional, and medicinal importance of the family Solanaceae, there is limited scientific information regarding the proximate composition of many Sudanese solanaceous species, particularly wild and underutilised taxa. The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional values of leaves and fruits of selected solanaceous species collected from different regions of Sudan. Plant samples were collected, taxonomically identified, and subjected to proximate analysis, including determination of moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrate components using standard AOAC methods. The result revealed significant variation in nutritional composition among species and between plant organs. Moisture content ranged from 5.73-8.35 % in leaves and 2.90-4.20% in fruits. Ash content was considerably higher in leaves (12.94-30.40%) compared to fruits (0.001-1-0095), indicating greater mineral accumulation in vegetative tissues. Crude protein content varied from 14.00-27.12 % in leaves and 3.00-6.50% in fruits, with Datura innoxia and Solanum schimperianum exhibiting the highest protein levels. Crude fat content was generally low, ranging from 1.74-5.85% in leaves and 1.005-5.00% in fruits. Crude fiber content ranged from 7.22-23-52% in leaves and 2.01-2.41% in fruits, while carbohydrate content varied from 24.24.21-40.53% in leaves and 3.00-6.60%in fruits. Overall, leaves demonstrated higher nutritional value than fruits, particularly in terms of protein, mineral, and fiber, whereas fruits contributed moderate carbohydrate content. The findings highlight the nutritional potential of these solanaceous species and support their possible utilization as alternative source of nutrients, contributing to food security and dietary diversification in Sudan.