Comparative phytochemical and mineral analysis of methanol extract of Teifairia occidentalis (Fluted pumpkin) leaves, stem, and roots

Fluted pumpkin (Teifairia occidentalis) is one of the most important vegetable crops in some countries and is widely cultivated in worldwide. Although pumpkins have long been consumed in farmland and certain urban regions, horticultural, commercial, industrial, and scientific studies nowadays examine them in detail. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical constituents and mineral composition in Telfairia occidentalis leaves, roots and stems. The plant samples were investigated for their phytoconstituents using standard methods while mineral component analysis was performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Glycosides, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids were present in all three parts of the plant while tannins were absent in all three parts. Calcium, K, Fe, Mg, P, Mn, and Zn were present in all three samples with varying concentrations. The stem sample had the highest concentration of K (36.175%) compared to leaf sample (K, 25.157%) and root sample (K, 20.166%). However, trace amounts of toxic elements like Sn and Ti were detected in the root than in other parts. The findings from the mineral analysis suggest that the root part of Telfairia occidentalis might have some level of toxicity than other parts of the plant.