Safety and health benefits profile studies of leaf extracts of Momordica balsamina Linn (Cucurbitaceae) found in North Central Nigeria

Momordica balsamina Linn (Cucurbitaceae) plant possesses both medicinal and nutritional properties and has been used for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the safety and health benefits of the leaf extracts of the plant found in North Central Nigeria. The leaf powder was sequentially extracted with solvents of varying polarity index. The protein and amino acid contents were determined by micro Kjeldahl nitrogen methods. The lipid, carbohydrate, fibre and ash contents were determined by well-established and standardized methods. The mineral compositions were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the scavenging activity of the extracts on DPPH free radical, while the acute toxicity studies were carried out using male albino rats. Results show that the leaf contains 22 ± 0.58% of crude proteins on dry weight basis. The corresponding values for carbohydrates, lipids, crude fibre and ash are 32.5 ± 0.8, 3.98 ± 0.12, 16.72 ± 1 and 21 ± 0.81% respectively. The calorific value and moisture content are 201.23 Kcal /100 g and 3.77 ± 0.22 % respectively. The leaf was composed of macro- and micro nutrients. The methanolic extract possesses the highest radical scavenging activity. The median lethal dose of the aqueous extract at 5000 mg/kg body weight showed no mortality. These results indicate that the leaf of Momordica balsamina possesses nutritional and antioxidant properties, and is safe for consumption as herbal vegetable.