Comparative Analysis of the Proximate and Phytochemical Properties of Solanum Melongena (Green Garden Egg) Organically and Inorganically Cultivated in Ohodo, Igbo – Etiti Local Government Area Enugu State

The nutritional, medicinal, cultural benefits and importance of Solanum melongena cannot be over emphasized. The study ascertained the proximate and phytochemical compositions of organically and inorganically cultivated S. melongena using standard procedures. Eight plots, each measuring 60ft by 40ft were used for the study. Two plots were cultivated in each of the four cardinal (East, West, North and South) locations of the town. This is done based on the geographical reconnaissance of the area. All the eight plots were cultivated during the early rainy season on March 15, 2025. Proximate and phytochemiacal analysis were carried out on the harvested garden eggs. The carbohydrate, protein and ash contents of organically cultivated S. melongena are respectively 80.94 ± 4.23 mg/100g, 3.83 ± 0.58 mg/100g and 2.45 ± 8.31mg/100g while their respective contents in inorganically cultivated S. melongena are 79.00 ± 2.61 mg/100g, 3.02 ± 3.02 mg/100g and 2.40 ± 2.22 mg/100g. Also, the moisture, fat and fiber contents of inorganically cultivated S. melongena are higher when compared with the organically cultivated S. melongena. The concentrations of phytochemical compounds are higher in organically cultivated S. melongena than in inorganically cultivated S. melongena. For instance, alkaloids (4.78 ± 3.87 mg/100 g), phenol (6.10 ± 3.97 mg/100g) and saponins (3.09 ± 0.43 mg/100 g) were higher in organically cultivated S. melongena than in inorganically cultivated S. melongena where alkaloids (4.52 ± 4.57 mg/100g), phenol (5.96 ± 7.03 mg/100g) and saponins (3.00 ± 8.65 mg/100g) are lower. In conclusion, the result revealed that S. melongena is rich in nutrients and phytochemicals which must have accounted for their medicinal properties.