DETERMINATION OF THE ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT OF TWO MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The fresh and dried leaves of two edible plants, Oldenlandia corymbosa and Dissotis rotundifolia have been assayed for their ascorbic acid content. They were found to be rich sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) when compared with some common garden fruits and vegetables. Students’ t-test statistical analysis using INSTAT.EXE program for the results (mean ± SEM) shows that there was no significant difference for the fresh leaves of the individual plants and also there is no significant difference for the dried leaves (P = 0.05). However, there was significant difference between ascorbic acid content of the fresh and dried leaves of the same plant, obviously indicating that the fresh leaves contain more ascorbic acid than the dried leaves.