Abstract

Centella asiatica is an under-exploited plant rich in nutrients and phytochemicals but are prone to fungal pathogens that cause spoilage and reduce the shelf-life of the vegetable. Therefore, evaluation of nutrients, phytochemicals and fungal pathogens that deteriorate Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) was conducted in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology and Food Science and Technology of Rivers State University Port Harcourt. Fresh leaves of C. asiatica were obtained from Igwuruta, Rivers State. Nutrient and phytochemical compositions were done in triplicates using standard methods. Statistical analysis was done using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result of proximate composition revealed the contents as; moisture (20.43± 1.05%), ash (5.13 ± 0.05%), protein (16.16 ± 0.28%), lipid (7.53± 0.05%), fiber (4.63 ± 0.05%) and carbohydrate (46.67 ± 1.15%).  Mineral composition result showed potassium (125.33 ± 0.57mg/100g) to be the highest and least (5.03 ± 0.05) for Iron. Vitamin composition showed vitamin A (1.23 ± 0.05mg/100g) and thiamine (0.01± 0.00mg/100g). Phytochemical result revealed presence of glycoside, oxalate, tannin, carotenoid, polyphenol, flavonoid and lignan. This study also identified three fungal isolates namely Fusarium sp, Collectrochium sp, and Guignardia sp. Centella asiatica is rich in nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals and therefore should be incorporated into meals.  Proper care should be taken during handling to reduce fungal contaminations.