Cyanogenic glycosides content in two edible leaves of tree spinach (Cnidoscolus spp.)

The cyanogenic glycosides content (ranging from 0.79±0.2 to 14.79±0.4 μg HCN equivalent/g fresh wt) of two edible tree spinach (Cnidoscolus chayamansa McVaugh and C. aconitifolius (P. Mill.) I.M. Johnston) leaves was quantitatively analyzed using enzymatic assay and UV-vis spectrum techniques. Both techniques equally show efficiency and reliability in assessing cyanogen content in tree spinach vegetable tissues. Cyanogenic glycoside concentration was significantly ( P < 0.05 ) higher in frozen leaf samples of C. chayamansas, when compared to fresh leaf samples. The principal form of cyanogenic glycosides in the edible Cnidoscolus leaves was identified as linamarin using high performance thin layer chromatography.