Diplazium sammatii: Athyraceae ('Nyama idim'): age-related nutritional and antinutritional analysis

Tender and mature leaflets and leaves of Diplazium sammatii ('Nyama idim'), were separately investigated for their nutritional and antinutritional properties. Results showed little difference in proximate nutritional contents between tender and mature leaves, except for crude fat, which was present in levels 1.5 times higher in younger than in older leaves. Crude fiber levels were low. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) were higher in younger leaves (6.8 and 3.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively, compared to 4.5 and 2.5 mg/100 g dry matter, respectively in older leaves). Older leaves contained higher levels of iron (Fe): 6.7 mg/100 g dry matter, in comparison to 4.3 mg/100 g dry matter, in young leaves. Oxalate levels were slightly higher in younger than older leaves. However, the reverse was true for tannin content. Both antinutritional compounds were present in levels which should be safe.