Comparative Proximate, Mineral and Vitamin Composition of Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum melongena

Abstract

This study evaluated the nutritional composition of Solanum melongena (aubergine) and Solanum aethiopicum (Family: Solanaceae) using standardized procedures. Crude protein and carbohydrate contents of S. melongena were significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of S. aethiopicum. There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in the ash and fibre contents between the two species. Moisture and lipid contents of S. aethiopicum were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of S. melongena. Mineral analysis showed that S. melongena has significantly higher (p<0.05) levels of calcium, magnesium and iron while, zinc content of S. melongena was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of S. aethiopicum. Vitamin analysis revealed vitamins C and E contents of S. melongena were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of S aethiopicum. The levels of vitamins A and D in the two species were not significantly (p >0.05) different. Overall, the results suggest that these species of eggplant are good sources of naturally occurring antioxidants and nutritionally important nutrients such as fibre that could play a role in preventing obesity, constipation and even cancer. Their low energy content makes them useful adjuncts in weight reducing diets.
Keywords: Eggplant, Analysis, Proximate, Minerals, Vitamins