Abstract
Abstract This study investigated proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional properties of four Talinum species (T. triangulare, T. portulacifolium, T. paniculatum, and T. fruticosum) occurring insome parts of Southwestern Nigeria. Talinum though widely consumed as indigenous leafy vegetables, there is still limited data on the nutritional profiles and anti-nutritional factors. Fresh leaves of species were collected, washed, air-dried, pulverized using standard AOAC procedures the nutrirional and anti-nutritional profiles were examined. ANOVA, PCA, and cluster analysis, were employed to evaluate interspecies variation and relationships among variables. Results revealed significant differences in proximate composition. T. paniculatum exhibited highest crude protein, crude fat, ash and iron content while T. triangulare contained highest carbohydrate. Mineral assessment showed increased calcium and potassium levels in T. paniculatum and T. portulacifolium, Anti-nutritional factors varied significantly. the highest phytate and oxalate are found in with T. triangulare and T. fruiticosum respective PCA and correlation analyses indicated strong associations between nutritional and anti-nutritional factors, while cluster analysis grouped species based on compositional similarities. Findings highlight nutritional potential of Talinum species, particularly T. paniculatum, as valuable source of protein and bioactive compounds, while also emphasizing need for improved processing to reduce anti-nutritional factors. This study provides comprehensive data that can inform dietary recommendations and promotion of indigenous vegetables in sustainable agriculture.