Proximate composition and antinutrients of black sesame (Sesamum Radiatum) leaves in Kelantan

Black sesame (Sesamum radiatum) is one of the Sesamum L. genus plant, other than its member, Sesamum indicum (common sesame), of family Pedaliaceae. It is a type of commercialised plant in African regions, but the plant itself is naturalised in Malaysia and it is seen as another wild plant by the people. In certain African region, the leaves of S. radiatum are used as medicine and as alternative source of green leafy vegetables. Although the African scientists stated that this plant is heavily neglected and underutilized, many researches were done by them on different parts of the plant at different regions of Africa. Due to plant nutrient content varies by regional factors, it is safe to say that Malaysia lacks knowledge about the plant, especially on the leaves, which the Africans uses the most. Based on the previous researches, a study on proximate compositions and antinutrients of S. radiatum leaves in Kelantan, Malaysia were done. The proximate compositions tested were moisture content (wet basis (79.192 ± 0.083 %) and dry basis (16.842 ± 0.543 %) ), crude fat content (4.860 ± 0.028 %), crude fiber content (13.568 ± 0.544 g), crude protein content (23.323 ± 1.557 %), ash content (10.900 ± 0.086 %), carbohydrates (44.075 ± 1.651 %), and trace minerals (Calcium (Ca): 494.9 ± 142.197 mg/L; Magnesium (Mg): 40.243 ± 14.452 mg/L; Sodium (Na): 2.311 ± 0.081 mg/L; Potassium (K): 1924.667 ± 1059.052 mg/L); while the antinutrients tested were tannins (2.100 mg/ 100 g), oxalate (287.306 ± 0.591 mg/ 100 g), phytate (17.547 ± 0.124 mg/ 100 g), and saponin (490.000 ± 0.194 mg). Overall, all results for the stated parameters were collected, and further research on these results will be needed as knowledge extension.