Nutritional Composition, Phytochemical Constituents and Cytotoxicity of Dipcadi glaucum (Burch. ex Ker Gawl.) Baker

This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemical, nutritional and cytotoxicity of Dipcadi glaucum, a wild edible species in Zimbabwe. The results of the proximate analysis show that D. glaucum is rich in nutrients, with high levels of crude protein (26.6% in leaves and 24% in bulbs) and ash (26.25% in leaves and 14% in bulbs), alongside moderate carbohydrate levels (35.55% in leaves and 43% in bulbs) and calorific values (295.6 kcal/100 g in leaves and 310.9 kcal/100 g in bulbs). The phytochemical analysis established presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and steroids, suggesting potential health benefits and culinary applications Cytotoxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay, showing an LC50 of 2.72 mg/ml for methanol bulb extracts and 1949.85 mg/ml for aqueous extracts. While both extracts were non-toxic based on assay thresholds, reports of potential toxicity to ruminants and the presence of alkaloids at higher concentrations warrant further research. Findings of this study suggest that D. glaucum is an important nutritional and mineral supplement, though additional research is needed to confirm its safety and suitability for human consumption.