Nutritional Profile of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Ceiba pentandra (Kapok) Leaves

Plants are valuable sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds with therapeutic importance. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle) and Ceiba pentandra (Kapok) are widely used in traditional medicine for the management of various ailments, yet scientific information on their nutritional and antioxidant properties remains limited and inconsistent. This gap necessitates a systematic evaluation of their proximate composition, mineral and vitamin contents, and antioxidant activity. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive nutritional assessment of Roselle and Kapok leaves. Leaf samples were washed, processed, and analyzed using standard AOAC methods. Proximate analysis revealed relatively low moisture, fat, fiber, and protein contents, but high carbohydrate levels (70.09% in Roselle; 78.70% in Kapok). Calcium was the most abundant mineral (5675.29 mg/kg in Roselle; 553.96 mg/kg in Kapok), followed by magnesium (22.52–27.35 mg/kg), zinc, iron, and potassium, while phosphorus was undetectable. Vitamins A, C, and E were present in modest amounts (0.02 - 0.34 mg/100 g). Antioxidant activity of ethanolic and n-hexane extracts ranged from 0.34 - 1.55 mg AAE/100 g, indicating measurable free-radical scavenging potential. Overall, the study demonstrates that Roselle and Kapok leaves are carbohydrate and calcium-rich vegetables with antioxidant activity, supporting their potential use as affordable dietary supplements, functional food ingredients, and natural nutraceutical sources.