Abstract
The proximate, mineral and bioactive contents of five Solanum species from Cameroon were assessed. Proximate analysis was determined by standard methods. Mineral compositions were assessed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Vitamin C was quantified by the titrimetric method while secondary metabolite's profiles were determined by spectrophotometry UV. Bioavailability of minerals were estimated by calculating the antinutrient/minerals molar ratio. The proximate analysis showed that these Solanum species have high water content. The highest protein content was recorded by S. aculeastrum (1.35±0.01 g/100g FM). Solanum spp. recorded the highest others proximate analysis. Sixteen minerals were detected. Solanum spp. (112.23±12.78 mg/kg FM), S. aculeastrum (100.91±2.10 mg/kg FM) and S. acethiopicum (117.43±7.43 mg/kg FM) recorded the highest magnesium contents. Vitamin C content, totals phenolic compounds, flavonoids and carotenoids of Solanum spp. were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the others. All five species had levels of antinutritional compound below consumption limits. The [Phy]/[Zn] (0.16) and [Phy]/[Fe] (0.05) ratios were lowest in S. macrocarpon and Solanum spp. Showed the best [Phy]/[Ca] (0.001), [Oxa]/[Ca] (0.22), [Phy][Ca]/[Zn] (19.13), and [Oxa]/[Ca]+[Mg] (0.21) molar ratios. The phytate/minerals and oxalate/minerals molar ratios were low compared with their corresponding critical value. These results have revealed that the five species are nutritionally valuable, their minerals are available.