NUTRITIONAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILES OF FICUS DICRANOSTYLA AND BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA, TWO WILD LEAFY VEGETABLES FROM NORTHERN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, wild leafy vegetables contribute substantially to food security and diversification, although many local species remain scientifically underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the nutritional, mineral, phytochemical, and antinutritional potential of Ficus dicranostyla Mildbr. and Boerhavia diffusa L., two wild plants consumed in northern Côte d'Ivoire. Physicochemical and biochemical analyses were performed on dried leaf powders using standard AOAC methods. Results revealed distinct and complementary nutritional profiles, with significant differences observed for several parameters (p<0.05). Ficus dicranostyla showed higher levels of crude protein (23.53 % DW), crude fiber (19.57 % DW), vitamin C (45.83 mg/100g DW), and iron (23.80 mg/100g DW), together with a higher total polyphenol content (1950.87 mg GAE/100g DW). In contrast, B. diffusa exhibited higher levels of major minerals, particularly calcium (2703.08 mg/100g DW), potassium (1601.53 mg/100g DW), and phosphorus (449.21 mg/100g DW), as well as higher levels of flavonoids (689.40 mg QE/100g DW) and tannins (922.30 mg TAE/100g DW). The two species also differed in their antinutritional profiles, with F. dicranostyla showing higher phytate levels substantially lower oxalate concentrations than B. diffusa. Despite these differences, both exhibited Ca/P ratios greater 1 (21.43 and 6.02, respectively), indicating a favorable calcium-to-phosphorus balance. Overall, these findings highlight the nutritional and phytochemical potential of F. dicranostyla and B. diffusa. Their valorization could contribute to dietary diversification and increased access to locally available sources of micronutrients in Côte d'Ivoire.