Nutraceutical records of aquatic plants (Heinsia bussie and Diplazium sammatii) of lesser known values in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Nutraceutical evaluation was determined for two aquatic plants: Heinsia bussie and Diplazium sammatii. Plant leaves were collected from a stream in Mbak Ikot Abasi in Etoi, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and analyzed for phytochemicals, nutrients, anti-nutrients, minerals and vitamin constituents using standard analytical methods. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive compounds: alkaloids (7.26+0.06), tannin (1.05+0.37), saponin (1.68+0.42), flavonoids (7.83+0.11), cardiac glycosides (6.94+0.48) and terpenes (6.03+0.47) in H. bussie while alkaloids (7.74+0.05), tannin (0.03+0.00), flavonoids (5.37+0.83) cardiac glycosides (4.66+0.38) and terpenes (5.17+0.21) in mg/100g were found in D. sammatii. Results also showed that the leaves contained appreciable amounts of essential nutrients such as crude protein: 11.90±0.62% in H. bussie and 10.80±0.07% in D. sammatii; carbohydrate, 49.70±0.41% in D. sammatii and 39.90±0.02% in H. bussie. Other components like ash and lipid were also present in appreciable amounts. Anti-nutrients such as phytate, saponin and tannins were significantly (p=0.05) low in both vegetables. Minerals analysis showed the highest values for iron (12.05+0.0807mg/kg) and potassium (9.04+0.0307mg/kg) in D. sammatii. Other minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were moderate in both vegetables. The vitamins recorded were axephthol, thiamin, riboflavin and ascorbic acid and were significantly (p=0.05) high. The plant leaves could be said to possess vital phytochemical and nutritional properties as well as essential mineral elements and vitamins. Therefore, these vegetables could be utilized as dietary supplement for aqua-feed production. Keywords: H. bussie, D. sammatii, nutraceutical, Athyriaceae, Rubiaceae