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The Biology, Utilization and Phytochemical Composition of the fruits andleaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth

Osuagwu AN, Ekpo IA, Okpako EC, Otu P and Ottoho E

Basic information on plant species is important for the improvement of the species. This study was carried out to investigate and understand the biology, utilization and phytochemical composition of Gongronema latifolium which is a spice plant growing in the humid forest vegetation of South- Eastern Nigeria. Results showed that the species had culinary and medicinal properties. G. latifolium has simple and opposite leaves, dehiscent seed pod (follicle), that opens along a single seam. The seeds are flat with white hairy pappus, The flowers are bisexual, regular with pale yellow coloured petals and superior ovary. Phytochemical analysis of the tender fruits and mature leaves of Gongronema latifolium revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, phytic acid and hydrocyanic acid. The phytochemicals were higher in the fruitscompared to the leaves (P