PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENTS ON THREE SELECTED LEAFY VEGETABLE IN BODINGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT, SOKOTO STATE

This study evaluates the proximate and phytochemical contents of some common leafy vegetables in sokoto, Three samples were collected and dried into powder, The samples was dried and pounded into powder with laboratory ceramic mortar and pestle. The powdered sample was then used for determination of the various content, Proximate and Phytochemical.. Three leafy vegetables: Rosella, Cabbage, and Amaranths. The moisture content was highest in Cabbage (9.27±1.45%), followed by Rosella (8.35±0.55%) and Amaranths (7.98±0.57%). Ash content was similar across the vegetables, with Cabbage having the highest value (2.45±0.05%). Crude lipid levels were low in all three, with Rosella showing slightly higher values (0.88±0.00%). Crude protein content varied, with Amaranths exhibiting the highest level (1.62±0.33%). Crude fiber was notably high in all samples, with Cabbage containing the most (84.02±1.03%), while carbohydrate content was highest in Cabbage (82.00±0.29%). These findings suggest that these vegetables are nutritious and can contribute significantly to dietary intake. The phytochemical screening revealed that Amaranths contained a rich array of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, saponins, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids. Cabbage also demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids but lacked phenolics, saponins, and tannins. Rosella exhibited alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, and terpenoids. The presence of these phytochemicals highlights the potential health benefits of these vegetables, suggesting their role in promoting health and preventing diseases.