Author(s)

Tamègnon Victorien Dougnon, Honoré Sourou Bankolé, Roch Christian Johnson, Jean Robert Klotoé, Godfried Dougnon, Fernand Gbaguidi, Fidèle Assogba, Joachim Gbénou, Salifou Sahidou, Jean-Marc Atègbo, Bertrand Henri Rhin, Frédéric Loko, Michel Boko, Aléodjrodo Patrick Edorh

Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin.
Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essentials Oils, Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences, Champ de Foire, Cotonou, Benin.
Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Interfaculty Center of Formation and Research in Environment for the Sustainable Development, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin.
National Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Benin Center of Scientific and Technical Research, and Essential Oils, Porto-Novo, Benin.
Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin.
Unit Inserm U525, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nancy, France.
Unit of Training and Research in Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Champ de Foire, Cotonou, Benin.

Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P < 0.05). The high protein content of the leaves and fruit suggests an interesting nutritive property. The presence of chemical groups and toxic elements (lead, cadmium) in S. macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.

S. macrocarpon; Nutrients; Minerals; Lead; Cadmium; Cotonou

T. Dougnon, H. Bankolé, R. Johnson, J. Klotoé, G. Dougnon, F. Gbaguidi, F. Assogba, J. Gbénou, S. Sahidou, J. Atègbo, B. Rhin, F. Loko, M. Boko and A. Edorh, "Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional and Toxicological Analyses of Leaves and Fruits of Solanum macrocarpon Linn (Solanaceae) in Cotonou (Benin)," Food and Nutrition Sciences, Vol. 3 No. 11, 2012, pp. 1595-1603. doi: 10.4236/fns.2012.311208.