Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the nutritional potential and identify groups of bioactive substances with therapeutic potential in fifteen wild leafy vegetables used in traditional medicine in Lubumbashi. Bromatological analyses of aqueous and methanolic extracts revealed the presence of water-soluble vitamins (vitamin C) and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, E, and K). Furthermore, the determination of the energy density of the said vegetables showed that thirteen of them, or 87%, belonged to the very low energy density class (X=40.69±0.47) KJ. On the other hand, the analysis of trace elements revealed in particular the presence of Cd (0.16±0.01mg/Kg DM), Fe (2.52±0.52 mg/Kg DM), Mg (2843.2±0.20 mg/Kg DM) and Se (0.02±0.01 mg/Kg DM). Phytochemical screening of their leaves, performed using standard solution reactions, qualitatively revealed the presence of saponins (100%), tannins (93%), terpenoids (87%), flavonoids and steroids (73%), quinones (47%), and alkaloids (40%).