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Analysis of Proximate and Phytomicrobial Properties of Fluted

Pumpkin and white Leadwort Obtained from Some Botanical

Gardens in Warri South Local Government

Osaide Stella Eguono Oritsegbubemi

, Chukuka, Vivian Ishioma

Biology Department, College of Education, Warri, Delta State

Dept of Biological science, Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai, Asaba, Delta State

Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.1009000102

Received: 10 September 2025; Accepted: 16 September 2025; Published: 25 October 2025

ABSTRACT

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) is a leafy vegetable cultivated and consumed for its valuable nutrients

and minerals, which are effective against micronutrient deficiencies. At the same time, white leadwort

(Plumbago zeylanica) is an important medicinal plant used in traditional systems of medicine to treat

gonorrhoea, syphilis, tuberculosis, rheumatic pain, swellings, piles, diarrhoea, skin diseases, and leprosy. They

possess antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Dried samples and extracts of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia

occidentalis) and white leadwort (Plumbago zeylanica) were analysed for protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate,

moisture, and ash. Pumkin had a higher value for moisture content (43.11%) and a lower value for fat (1.97%),

while Leadwort had a higher value for fibre (31.76%) and a lower value for protein (4.82%). Phytochemical

analysis of pumpkin constituent Alkaloids (0.81%), Saponins (0.59%) and flavonoids (0.04%), while that of

lead-wort was Alkaloids (0.39%), Saponins (0.68%) and flavonoids (0.03%). Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia

occidentalis) showed a higher percentage of phytochemical content than white leadwort (Plumbago

mechanical). Therefore, both Telfairia occidentalis and Plumbago zeylanica may be considered as rich in

proximate and phytochemical and potential

INTRODUCTION

Background to the Study

Food security is a function of the population with a corresponding rate of crop production to suffice their need

for nutrition. Food security is having adequate, safe, and nourishing food to satisfy nutritional needs. The

human population has remained on the rise with a consequent decrease in arable lands for the cultivation of

crops (Agogbua et al., 2022). In Nigeria, vegetables are found in the Southeast region, where vegetables are

combined in their diet as soup, but in the Southwest, they are separately used as decoction or infusion and

therefore taken as medicine. They contain nutrients in the right proportions, which could make them be

referred to as balanced diets; therefore, people are encouraged to eat vegetables, especially when sick.

Vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibres, carbohydrates and secondary metabolites; these

are crucial for maintaining optimal health and preventing chronic diseases (Ayoola et al., 2020). The leaves,

fruits and seeds of vegetables in Nigeria are edible (by boiling, roasting or baking) and have high nutritional

qualities. Most of these plant parts are used as medicine. (Akpasi et al., 2023)

The use of plants for medicinal purposes dates back to traditional medicine, where they were used to treat

various ailments and diseases. The medicinal value of plants lies in some chemical substances that produce a

definite physiological action on the human body (Sumitra et al., 2013). In recent years, scientists have

intensified their efforts to explore the nutritional and medicinal properties of plants to develop new treatments

and health-promoting products (Supuran, 2023)

Botanical gardens conserve plant diversity as plants can be grown and studied there. This study focuses on two

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plants, Plumbago zeylanica (leadwort) and Telfairia occidenttalis (Ugu Leaf), from a botanical garden in Warri,

Delta State, Nigeria. "Ugwu" is the Igbo term for the fluted pumpkin (Tellfairia occidentalis), which is a

creeping leafy plant with enormous lobed leaves and lengthy, winding tendrils. Telfairia occidentalis is

classified in the tribe Joliffieae of the subfamily Cucurbitaceae. It is grown in many nations of West Africa but

is mainly cultivated in southeastern Nigeria, and it is used primarily in soups and herbal medicines (Agbai,

2023). This green vegetable is a good source of vitamin C, phytochemicals, dietary fiber, carotenoids, folate,

and certain minerals but has low lipid, dietary fiber, carotenoids, folate, and certain minerals, but have low

lipid, carbohydrate and protein concentration (Oboh et al., 2009) . It is a nutrient-rich vegetable widely grown

in Nigeria. Its leaves are packed with iron, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, making it an

excellent addition to a healthy diet. The leaves can be applied topically to treat burns, hematinic and act as an

analgesic. Pulp has historically been used to help with stomach issues like dyspepsia and intestinal irritation.

Pumpkin fruit is high in Vitamin A, which is important for vision, growth, and disease prevention. It also has

notable amounts of lycopene, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E (Akpasi et al., 2023).

Young leaves mixed with coconut water and dyspepsia salt can be stored to treat convulsions, and their extract

helps manage high cholesterol, liver problems, and weak immune systems. However, seed oil can raise lipid

levels if eaten too much. In areas where Telfairia occidentalis is consumed frequently, there are few cases of

protein-energy malnutrition. Its use in reproduction is rising, as it may help with testicular damage and sperm

production. The leaves' extract is popular for fighting oxidative damage, and in Nigeria, fresh leaves are made

into juice for postpartum women. The root has properties similar to chloroquine and can suppress certain

bacteria but is also toxic and used as a rodenticide (Omimakinde et al., 2018).

The anticancer potential of Telfairia occidentalis has been demonstrated through several studies. The crude

extract of the seed inhibits oxidative burst activity in whole blood, isolated polymorph nuclear cells (PMNs),

and mononuclear cells (MNCs). The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other constituents in the

leaves contributes to the plant's chemo-suppressive activity. Given the established high antioxidant property of

Telfairia occidentalis, it is likely that its anticancer activity is linked to these antioxidant components (Eseyin

et al., 2014; Okokon et al., 2012). The plant also shows potential in enhancing male fertility, as it improves

sperm mobility, viability, and count and increases testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and testicular weight. Its

prophylactic effect on alcohol-induced testicular damage and its beneficial impact on semen quality further

highlight its therapeutic value in male fertility (Eseyin et al., 2014; Seungjin et al., 2020).

A study has shown that the ethanol root extract of Telfairia occidentalis possesses antiplasmodial potential and

inhibitory effects on some Enterobacteriaceae, while Telfairia occidentalis anti-inflammatory activities were

also reported (Oyewole and Abalaka 2012). In the fight against malaria, Telfairia occidentalis has shown

significant blood schizonticidal activity, with the root, leaf, and seed extracts demonstrating antiplasmodial

activity. The plant's extracts have shown high in vitro synergistic activities with chloroquine and against

chloroquine-tolerant Plasmodium berghei isolates, indicating its potential as an alternative antimalarial

treatment (Eseyin et al., 2014).

The antimicrobial activity of Telfairia occidentalis is also noteworthy. The leaf extract exhibits antibacterial

activity against selected intestinal pathogens such as E. coli, S. faecalis, and S. typhi. The ethanol extract

inhibits the growth of various Enterobacteriaceae, and the crude extract shows synergistic effects with

antibiotics on a majority of the tested bacteria. The aqueous extracts also demonstrate higher worm inhibitory

and destructive activities compared to methanol extracts (Eseyin et al., 2014)

Plumbago zeylanica is a medicinal plant commonly known as “White leadwort” or “chitrak.”. It belongs to the

Plumbaginaceae family and is a perennial herb that is found in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and

also in some parts of South India (Mandavkar and Jalalpure, 2011). The root and root bark of this herb are

utilised in the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines. In the traditional system of medicine, it plays a

significant protective role in the enlarged liver and spleen. It is a bitter tonic and is suggested as a rejuvenant,

well known for its use in chronic colds and coughs. It also finds its use in correcting chronic diseases of the

nervous system, viral warts and chronic menstrual disorders. Also, it is recommended for piles, worms, and

colitis. The Extract of chitramula is reported as an anticancer drug. The root bark is additionally considered

beneficial in obesity. It has been potentially useful for loss of appetite and indigestion. The root is used

extensively in India and China to treat contusions of extremities, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and

dysmenorrhea (Parmar, 2024). An alkaloid called plumbagin is found in the roots. It is responsible for various

therapeutic properties like antioxidant, antimalarial, antibiotic, anti-fertility, anticancer, and cardiotonic

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(Parmar, 2024).

Flowers of this plant are used as digestants, and leaves possess aphrodisiac properties. They are used in the

treatment of scabies, soreness, and swelling. Leaves have shown their effective role in treating infections and

digestive problems such as dysentery. They are also used as stimulants (Shukla et al., 2021).

The root is used extensively in India and China to treat contusions of extremities, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis,

and dysmenorrhea (Parmar, 2024). It is responsible for various therapeutic properties like antioxidant,

antimalarial, antibiotic, antifertility, anticancer, and cardiotonic (Parmar, 2024). The roots of this plant are

demonstrated as laxative, expectorant, tonic, and a good appetiser. Roots are also reported to be beneficial in

the treatment of rheumatism, laryngitis, scabies and disease of the spleen. The decoction of the seeds is used

for reducing muscular pain (Arpita, 2017).

Plumbago zeylanica, as a potent medicinal agent, can be used in the treatment of skin diseases, joint pain,

stubborn chronic rheumatoid arthritis, and numerous growths. It also finds use in correcting chronic menstrual

disorders, viral warts, and chronic diseases of the nervous system. Obesity can be resolved using root bark.

Plumbago zeylanica contains various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, napthoquinones,

glycosides, saponins, steroids, tri-terpenoids, coumarins, phenolic compounds, tannins, carbohydrates, fixed

oils, fats, and proteins (Roy and Bharadvaja, 2017). The Plumbago zeylanica plant has several medicinal

properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory effects. It is part of the Plumbaginaceae

family, which includes 10 genera and 280 species. Plumbago zeylanica, also known as Ceylon leadwort or

chitrak in Ayurveda, is especially valued for its therapeutic benefits. This perennial herb, commonly found in

India and Sri Lanka, is cultivated for its attractive flowers (Shukla et al., 2021). Its leaves have aphrodisiac

properties and are used to treat scabies, infections, and digestive issues. They can also be applied topically for

rheumatic pain and skin conditions.

Additionally, it is important to ascertain the nutritional, medicinal and antimicrobial values of these plants to

scientifically validate the use of Telfairia occidentalis and Plumbago zeylanica, and this can have practical

implications for community health and well-being in Warri (Delta state, Nigeria) and beyond. These plants

may contain bioactive compounds and have therapeutic properties that can provide an alternative solution for

various health issues. Hence, this study aims to investigate the nutritional, medicinal and anti-microbial

properties of Telfairia occidentalis and Plumbago zeylanica from a botanical garden in Warri. Despite their

potential as a source of essential nutrients and therapeutic agents, the nutritional and medicinal properties of

Telfairia occidentalis and Plumbago zeylanica and the use of these plants as traditional medicines have not

been scientifically validated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Research Design: The research design used in carrying out this study is the analytical Method, whereby the

vegetable samples collected in different gardens were subjected to laboratory analysis. This is to provide a

detailed understanding of the nutritional and medicinal values of the vegetable samples.

Description of the Study Area: The study areas are Edjeba in Warri and Effurun off Warri-Sapele Road by

Army Housing Estate, Delta State, Nigeria. Edjeba is located under the Warri South Local Government Area,

with georeferenced coordinates of 5031’2.53” N (latitude) and 5045’1.22” E (longitude). The Army Housing

Estate is located under the Uvwie Local Government Area, with georeferenced coordinates of 5013’07.9” N

(latitude) and 50’36’12.3” E (longitude). These study areas are in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

Fig. 3: Location Map showing the Sampling Area of Fluted Pumpkin and leadwort

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Sample Collection: The vegetable samples were collected at two different study areas. Pumpkin leaves were

collected from a garden in the Edjeba area, under Warri South Local Government, while the White Leadwort

leaves were collected from a garden in Effurun off Warri-Sapele road by Army Housing Estate, Delta State,

Nigeria. These vegetable leaves were harvested fresh, preserved in polythene bags, and transported to the

laboratory for analysis.

Sample Preparation: The fresh vegetable samples were identified, washed with clean water and reweighed.

Then, the samples were air-dried except for the moisture content parameter, which was subjected to oven

drying. Then ground by pulverization method using a mortar and pestle, after which they were sieved through

a mesh of 2mm diameter, and stored in an air-tight polythene bag, and kept in desiccators until the time for

analysis.

Methods of Analysis: The proximate composition of the vegetable samples was determined using the

Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods (AOAC, 2004).

Determination of Moisture Content: The moisture content of the vegetable samples was determined using

AOAC standard methods (2004). The crucibles were washed, dried at 105°C for 30 minutes, and then cooled

in a desiccator. Their weights were recorded as W1. Next, 2.0 g of finely ground vegetable samples were added

to the crucibles, and their weights were noted as W2. The sample and crucible were dried at 100°C for 4 hours,

then cooled for 30 minutes until constant weights were reached, recorded as W3. The moisture content was

calculated using the appropriate formula:

% Moisture = (W2 – W3) x 100

(W2 – W1)

Where, W1 = Initial weight of empty crucible,

W2 = Weight of crucible + sample before drying and

W3 = Final weight of crucible + sample after drying

Determination of Ash Content: The total ash content of the vegetable sample was determined using the

incineration method described by AOAC (2004). About 2.0 g of the finely ground dried sample was placed in

a porcelain crucible and incinerated at 600°C for 6 hours in a muffle furnace (Model 1184A Fisher Scientific,

Houston, TX). After cooling the ash in a desiccator, it was reweighed to calculate the percentage of ash content

in the sample:

% Ash = Weight of Ash x 100

Weight of the rare sample

Determination of Crude: Fibre Crude fibre was determined using the AOAC (2004) method. About 2.0 g of

the vegetable sample was hydrolyzed with petroleum ether, then boiled for 30 minutes with 200 ml of 1.25%

solution. After filtration through a fluted funnel, the residue was washed with boiled water. It was then

boiled again for 30 minutes with 200 ml of 1.25% NaOH solution, washed with boiled distilled water, and

filtered through a Gooch crucible. The residue was dried at 10000°C for 2 hours in an oven. The percentage of

crude fibre was calculated using the appropriate formula:

% Crude fiber = (Wt. after drying) x 100

(Wt. of the sample)

Determination of Fat: The total fat content in vegetable samples was determined using Soxhlet extraction

with methanol and ethanol. Boiling flasks (250 ml) were dried in an oven at 105–110°C for about 30 minutes

and then cooled in a desiccator. Approximately 2.0 g of each sample was placed into labeled thimbles. The

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dried flasks were weighed and filled with about 300 ml of petroleum ether (boiling point 40–60°C), with the

thimbles plugged with cotton wool. The Soxhlet apparatus was assembled and refluxed for 6 hours.

Afterwards, the thimble was removed, and the petroleum ether was collected for reuse. Following extraction,

the flask was dried at 105–110°C for 1 hour, cooled in a desiccator, and reweighed. The percentage of fat in

the vegetable sample was then calculated using the appropriate formula:

% fat = Weight of fat x 100

Weight of sample

Determination of Protein: The Micro-Kjeldahl method was used to determine the crude protein content of the

vegetable samples as outlined by AOAC (2004), which comprises two essential steps: protein digestion and

distillation.

a. Protein Digestion: Begin by weighing 2.0 g of the vegetable sample and placing it in a Kjeldahl flask. Add

1.0 g of copper sulfate, a small amount of selenium catalyst, and 25 ml of concentrated sulfuric acid. Heat the

mixture gently in a fume cupboard until it achieves a green colour, maintaining a temperature above 420°C for

approximately 30 minutes. Once cooled, wash down any black particles at the neck of the flask with distilled

water. Transfer the digest to a 250 ml volumetric flask, perform several rinses with distilled water, and bring

the volume up to the mark before proceeding to distillation.

b. Protein Distillation: Steam the Markham distillation apparatus for 15 minutes before use. Position a

conical flask containing 5 ml of boric acid indicator under the condenser. Pipet approximately 5.0 ml of the

digest into the apparatus, washing it down with distilled water, and then add 50 ml of 60% sodium hydroxide.

Steam the mixture for about 5-10 minutes to collect ammonium sulfate in the receiving flask. Finally, treat the

solution in the receiving flask with 0.01 M hydrochloric acid, running a blank sample concurrently.

Calculate the percentage of nitrogen using the specified formulas:

% fat = Weight of fat x 100

Weight of sample

Where,

Vs = Volume (ml) of acid required to titrate the sample;

Vb = Volume (ml) of acid required to titrate the blank;

M-acid = Molarity of acid;

W = Weight of the sample (g).

Then, the percentage crude protein in the vegetable sample was calculated from the % Nitrogen as: % crude

protein = % N x F

Where F(the conversion factor), is equivalent to 6.25.

Determination of Carbohydrate: The carbohydrate content in vegetable samples was found by adding the

amounts of protein, fat, fibre, moisture, and ash, then subtracting from 100.

% carbohydrate =100 – (% moisture + % crude fiber + % protein + % Fat + % ash).

Phytochemical Analysis

A modified method of Sofowara (1993) was used for the determination of Alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins.

Alkaloid

2. 0 g of dried leaf extract was weighed and combined with 200 ml of 10% acetic acid in ethanol. The mixture

was covered and allowed to sit for four hours. After being filtered, the solution was evaporated in a water bath

to a quarter of its original volume. The extract was supplemented with the concentrated NH

OH until

precipitation was finished. The mixture was then filtered after being rinsed with dilute NH4OH. After being

dried and weighed, the alkaloid concentration of the residue was measured.

Alkaloid (%) = Weight of precipitate x 1 x 100

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Weight of the rare sample

Flavonoid

With 100 mL of 80% aqueous methanol, 2.0g of leaf plant powder was repeatedly extracted for one day. The

entire solution was then filtered via the Whatman filter paper. After that, the filtrate was put into a crucible,

dried in a water bath, and then weighed until it was consistent. The flavonoid concentration in the plant leaf

specimen was calculated using the weight measured.

Flavonoid (%) = Weight of dried sample x 100

Weight of original sample

Saponin

After being shaken in 50 ml of 20% ethanol for 30 minutes, the 2. 0 g of dried leaf powder was heated in the

solution. a four-hour water bath at 55 °C. The combination was filtered using Whatman filter paper. The

accumulated residue was reextracted using an additional 200 ml of 20% aqueous ethanol. The filtrates were

mixed and concentrated in a water bath at 90°C to a volume of 40 ml. The concentrate was poured into a

separating funnel, 20 ml of diethyl ether ((C2H5)2O) was added, and the mixture was vigorously shaken. The

aqueous layer was kept in a beaker while the ether layer, which was the top layer, was discarded. Sixty

millilitres of n-butanol was introduced into a separating funnel, and the mixture was shaken vigorously. The

lower layer of the extract was discarded, while the upper layer of the C₄H₁₀O extract was kept. Ten millilitres

of 5% aqueous sodium chloride were used to wash the C₄H₁₀O layer twice. The remaining solution was

gathered, dried in an oven at 40 °C to a consistent weight, and then evaporated in a water bath.

Saponin (%) = Weight of residue x 100

Weight of the rare sample

Data Analysis

The results were statistically analysed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), where the mean, standard error,

and standard deviation were considered.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results

The detailed results of the laboratory analysis of vegetable samples are presented below. The proximate and

phytochemical compositions of both pumpkin and leadwort are statistically presented in Tables 1 and 2. Table

1(proximate composition) revealed the presence of protein, Fat, fibre, Carbohydrate, Moisture and Ash content

of various percentages. Table 2 (phytochemical compositions) results indicated the presence of saponins,

alkaloids, and flavonoids. Graphical representations are also shown below in Figs. 1 and 2.

Table 1: Average Results of Nutritional Composition (Proximate Analysis) of the Vegetable Samples

Protein Content

6.19 (±0.02)

4.82 (±0.01)

Fat Content

1.97 (±0.02)

2.97 (±0.01)

Fibre Content

23.81 (±0.01)

31.76 (±0.02)

Carbohydrate

16.87 (±0.01)

13.97 (±0.01)

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Moisture Content

43.11 (±0.01)

39.85 (±0.01)

Ash Content

8.07 (±0.01)

6.65 (±0.02)

Table 2: Average Results of Phytochemicals in the Vegetable Samples

Alkaloids Content

0.81 (±0.01)

0.39 (±0.01)

Saponins Content

0.59 (±0.01)

0.68 (±0.01)

Flevonoids Content

0.04 (±0.01)

0.03 (±0.01)

Fig.1: Graphical representation Proximate Composition (Nutritional Analysis) of the Vegetable Sample

FIG.2: Graphical Representation of Some Phytochemical Components of Pumpkin and Leadwort Vegetables

DISCUSSION

This study has analyzed phytochemical components of the two samples which has variety health benefits

while the proximate composition refers to the nutritional constituent of the samples.

PERCENTAGE

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF PUMPKIN AND LEADWORT

Pumpkin

Leadwort

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

Alkaloids Saponins Flavonoids

PERCENTAGE

MEDICINAL COMPOSITION OF PUMPKIN AND LEADWORT

Pumpkin

Leadwort

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The Proximate Nutrients of the samples had a mean carbohydrate content of 16.87% for

The samples had a mean carbohydrate content of 16.87% for pumpkin with a standard deviation of ±0.01,

while leadwort had a lower carbohydrate content of 13.97% with a standard deviation of ±0.01 (Fig. 1). This

low carbohydrate content is attributed to the class of food that the vegetable belongs to. Udoh (2017) presented

in his report that the carbohydrate content of the full-fat samples ranged between 9.81% and 13.28% while that

of the deflated samples ranged between 10.49% and 17.54%. This result is just like that of this study.

The ash content of the sample gives an idea of the mineral elements present in the vegetable sample. In this

study, pumpkin vegetable had a high ash content, with the value of 8.07% (± 0.01), while leadwort vegetable

had the value of 6.65% (± 0.02).

Among the two sample varieties, Pumpkin had the highest protein content of 6.19% (±0.02), while leadwort

had 4.82% (±0.02) (Fig. 1). The result shows that pumpkin contains more protein content than white leadwort.

It is worth noting that the amino acid balance of vegetable protein is exceptionally good, which would reduce

protein malnutrition. Nzeagwu et al. (2020) reported a higher percentage of protein, ranging from 21.90 %

(roasted) to 26.01 % (boiled). The percentage fibre content of the vegetable samples was 23.81% (±0.01) for

Pumpkin and 31.76% (±0.02) for leadwort.

Higher percentage moisture content was observed in Pumpkin with a value of 43.11 (±0.01), while the

leadwort had a moisture content of 39.85% (±0.01) (Fig. 1). This high moisture content observed in the two

vegetables is attributed to the high percentage of water holding capacity of the vegetables Okonwu et al.

(2018) reported a high moisture content of 86%, for pumpkin, lower moisture content result to longer shelf

life. The percentage fat content of pumpkin had a mean value of 1.97% (±0.02), while the leadwort had a value

of 2.97% (±0.01). This study revealed that leadwort had a higher content of fat when compared to pumpkin.

Udoh (2017) reported that the fat content of samples ranged between 40.67% and 45.91%. These values,

however, were higher than the 1.37% oil content reported by Hamed et al. (2008)

Phytochemical components which are known as bioactive plant chemicals, evaluated in the vegetable samples

showed lower concentrations. Pumpkin vegetable had the mean values of 0.81%, 0.59% and 0.04% for

alkaloids, saponins and flavonoids, respectively, while white leadwort had values of 0.39%, 0.68% and 0.03%,

respectively (Fig. 2). The result, however shows that the percentage of alkaloids (0.81%) and flavonoids

(0.04%) are present in the Pumpkin vegetable samples are higher than those found in leadwort vegetables

samples while the saponins (0.59%) found in pumpkin are lower than those found in leadwort (0.81%)

samples.

CONCLUSION

This study examined the Proximate analysis and phytochemical composition of two tropical green leafy

vegetables, Telfairia occidentalis (Pumpkin) and Plumbago zeylanica (Leadwort), revealing significant

variations in their nutritional composition. Telfairia occidentalis demonstrated higher carbohydrate, protein,

and mineral (ash) content, while Plumbago zeylanica offered greater fibre and fat levels. The relatively high

moisture in Telfairia occidentalis suggests a shorter shelf life, making it susceptible to quicker spoilage.

Phytochemical analysis revealed that both samples contain alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, but at low

concentrations, with potential health benefits such as diabetes, cancer, inflammation, obesity, hepatotoxicity,

and other diseases. Therefore, the nutritional and medical composition of Pumpkin and leadwort is necessary

for improving the human diet and overall health condition.

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