Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 42: 2854 - 2858. Published June 14, 2011.
Evaluation of the chemical constituents of savannah tea (Lippia multiflora) leaves.
1Ekissi Alice Christine 1,2*, Konan Amoin Georgette1,2, Yao-Kouamé Albert3, Bassirou bonfoh2 and Kati-Coulibaly Séraphin4
1Laboratory of Biochemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Cocody, 22 BP 1731 Abidjan 22 (225) Côte d'Ivoire
2Swiss Center for Scientific Research 01 BP 1303 Abidjan 01, (225) Côte d'Ivoire
3 Faculty of Earth Sciences and Mineral Resources (STRM), University of Cocody, 22 BP 801 Abidjan 22, (225) Côte d'Ivoire.
4Laboratory of Nutrition Pharmacology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Cocody. 22B.P.582 Abidjan 22.
*Corresponding author (225) 05 15 74 38, Fax: 23 45 12 11, e-mail: ekissialice@yahoo.fr,
ABSTRACT
Objectives: this study is to determine macromolecules and ash contents in the buds of young and mature leaves of Lippia multiflora.
Methodology and results: The Samples of buds, young and mature leaves of Lippia multiflora were harvested from non cultivated areas at Yamoussoukro, town localised in the Center of Côte d’Ivoire. The dry matter, lipids and ash contents were assessed according to AOAC methods. Soluble sugars and proteins contents were measured by Agbo and Kjeldahl methods respectively. The dry matter contents were 19.86 ± 0.13% in buds, 20.36 ± 0.31% in young leaves and 36.82 ± 1.50% in mature leaves. The ash contents were respectively 10.26 ± 0.048, 10.95 ± 0.15 and 17.94 ± 0.43%. The protein levels were 12.95 ± 0.073%, 11.21 ± 0.14% and 9.63 ± 0.57% respectively. The lipids contents were less than 1% and the soluble sugars, less than 3%.
Conclusion and Application: the dry matter, ash and proteins contents depend on the age of Lippia multiflora leaves. Their lipids and soluble sugars levels are low but they can provide a good source of minerals. The nutritional value of the young leaves and buds could encourage the population to consume more Lippia multiflora. This study also gives precious information about the choice of better time for harvest.These results could also bring the food industries to popularize Lippia multiflora (an underexploited wild plant) through the transformation of its leaves (buds and young leaves) as tea. This could constitute a new agricultural product for the country and can serve as a source of income for the agricultural population.
Keywords: savannah tea,Lippia multiflora , chemical constituent, tea leaves
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