Effect of Selected Processing Methods on Nutrient, Phytochemical, and Carotenoid Profiles of Two Cultivars of Pterocarpus santalinoides

The aim of this research was to compare the nutrient and potential medicinal properties of two cultivars of Pterocarpus santalinoides leaves. Two cultivars of Pterocarpus santalinoides (Nturukpa) leaves (light green Avuo and dark green oseleukwu) were investigated for their nutrient composition, phytochemical content and carotenoid profiles. The effects of oven-drying at 550C for 1h 20 min; sauteeing in palm oil for 3 min and blanching in boiling water for 5 min on the nutrients and phytochemicals were evaluated. The leaves were rich in protein (14.0%) and vitamin B6 (73mg/100g). The leaves are also moderate sources of iron (6.2-7.4%), magnesium (42-44%), zinc (1.2%) and potassium (45.0-55.0%).  Raw light green Avuo contained the highest amount of folate (vitamin B9). The phenolic contents, cyanogenic glycosides, anthocyanins, and phytates of the two P. santalinoides cultivars were statistically similar (p>0.05). Steroids, oxalate, tannins and alkaloids (7.7%) were higher in the light coloured cultivar (Avuo) while saponins and flavonoids (1.1%) were higher (p <0.5) in the dark green cultivar (Oseleukwu). The α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, and total β-carotene contents of the two P.santaniloides cultivars were statistically similar (P> 0.05). The most predominant peak in the chromatogram of the P. santalinoides was trans-beta-carotene. The nutrient and phytochemical composition of the two cultivars of P. santalinoides indicate that they are good sources of proteins and micronutrients and their phytochemical content suggest that they possess medicinal value.