Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional properties of Solanum macrocarpum (garden egg) stalk using standard methods. Sulphates and chloride were the most abundant anions while calcium and magnesium were the predominant mineral cations. Results for the proximate composition showed high carbohydrates (27.70 %), fibre contents (22.94 %), and ash (18.83 %) while the phytochemical composition showed higher ribalinidine, catechin, and phenol contents. Vitamin B6, C, A, and B12 were found in higher concentrations, while lysine (9.48 g/100g), phenylalanine (6.86 g/100g), leucine (6.59 g/100g), and arginine (5.66 g/100g) were the predominant essential amino acids. Results for the free radical scavenging potentials showed higher DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and ABTS radical scavenging potentials for the garden egg stalk, while their ferric reducing antioxidant power, superoxide and lipid peroxide scavenging were comparable to the standards used. This study has shown the high nutrient density of the garden egg stalk, thus encouraging its inclusion for dietary uses.
Keyword: Garden egg stalk; phytochemicals; micronutrients, amino acids; proteins.