NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
Journal of the Faculties of Science and Agriculture, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
ISSN: 1119-9008
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE
Email: njse@universityjournals.org
EVALUATION OF THE ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT OF THE LEAVES OF SCOPARIA DULCIS
DOI: 10.5987/UJ-NJSE.17.090.3 | Article Number: 07709C11 | Vol.10 (3) - December 2011
Authors: Abere T. A. , Alonge P. O. and Okeri H. A.
Keywords: Scoparia dulcis (Linn), ascorbic acid content, 2, 6-Dichlorophenolindophenol and iodometric determinations
The ascorbic acid content of the fresh and dried leaves of Scoparia dulcis (Linn) has been determined titrimetrically after extraction with metaphosphoric acid. The results show that the fresh leaves are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) when compared with ascorbic acid content of the dried leaves and some common garden fruits and vegetables. Students’ t-test statistical analysis using INSTAT.EXE program for the results (mean ± SD) shows that there was no significant difference for the fresh leaves and also there is no significant difference for the dried leaves (P = 0.05) with the two analytical methods used. However, there was significant difference between ascorbic acid content of the fresh and dried leaves obviously indicating that the fresh leaves contain more ascorbic acid than the dried leaves. The possible reasons for this difference are highlighted and it is submitted that the fresh leaves of Scoparia dulcis can be used as a source of vitamin C in the form of vegetables.
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