F.I. Obahiagbon*

This investigation was undertaken to examine the phytochemicals in the leaves of sour soup harvested from five States of Nigeria. Standard methods for the quantitative assessment of the phytochemicals were adopted in the analysis. Results obtained indicated that the phytochemicals were in varied concentrations in the leaves from each of the States. The range of the concentration of alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, saponin, phytate, steroid, phenol and oxalate were 4.08-2.11%, 30.20-10.50%, 1.52- 0.61%, 1.66-0.69%, 0.16-0.08%, 3.80-3.20%, 3.60–3.19% and 0.26–0.24% respectively.

The markets in Benin City are currently ‘saturated’ with processed powdered foods from several sources which include wheat, maize, tubers et cetera. The demand for these products are also on the increase. It was against this background that ten adult powdered foods were purchased from the open markets in Benin City to evaluate their nutritive values. Consequently, the proximate analysis of the foods was determined. Additionally, the micro- and macro- mineral contents were determined with the AOAC and AACC methods.