EN
Phytochemicals, proximate, minerals and anti-nutrient compositions of young cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) leaves were determined using standard methods. Qualitative and quantitative analyses for phytochemicals confirmed the presence of bioactive constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins in appreciable amounts, while terpenes, cardiac glycocides and tannins were only present in trace concentrations. Mineral analysis revealed that K recorded the highest content - with 214.00 ± 2.11 mg/100g, followed by Ca - 157.10 ± 1.47 mg/100g, Mg - 63.00 ± 0.58 mg/100g, P - 32.00 ± 0.61 mg/100g, while Fe had the lowest value - 0.10 ± 0.14 mg/100g. Proximate composition analysis of C. esculenta leaves indicated that CHO, protein and crude fibre were present in high quantities (35.22, 17.10 and 16.41 % respectively), while fat was at the lowest content (8.82%). Antinutritional factor analysis of young leaves of C. esculenta indicated that phytates was present in huge quantity - 11.03 ± 0.12mg/g, followed by oxalates - 7.62 ± 0.14 mg/g, while tannins recorded the lowest anti-nutritional contents - 0.12 ± 0.06 mg/g. This study has also revealed that the young leaves of C. esculenta contain appreciable levels of bioactive components (phytochemicals such as as alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins; minerals K, Ca, Mg, P and Fe) and appreciable amounts of CHO, protein and crude fibre. The results of anti-nutrients analysis showed high contents of phytate and oxalate. The last is probably responsible for the itching effect and also interferes with the utilization of essential nutrients. Thus, young leaves of C. esculenta provide appreciable quantities of nutrients and thus can rival other conventional vegetables normally consumed in Nigeria.