ASSESSMENT OF VITAMIN C AND PHYTOCHEMICAL VARIABILITY IN WATERMELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS) AND CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS) SOLD IN GBOKO TOWN, BENUE STATE

ABSTRACT This study assessed the vitamin C content and phytochemical variability of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) sold in Gboko Town, Benue State, Nigeria. The increasing consumption of these fruits for hydration and nutritional benefits necessitates continuous evaluation of their micronutrient quality, particularly vitamin C and bioactive phytochemicals, which are sensitive to environmental and postharvest factors. Fresh and ripe fruit samples were purchased from selected markets in Gboko and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Vitamin C content was determined using the iodine titrimetric method, while qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to detect the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids using established protocols. The results revealed that watermelon contained a higher vitamin C content (14.08 ± 0.32 mg/100 mL) compared to cucumber (6.38 ± 0.21 mg/100 mL). Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and terpenoids in both fruits, while alkaloids were detected only in cucumber. These findings indicate that both watermelon and cucumber sold in Gboko markets retain significant nutritional and functional value despite potential nutrient losses associated with handling and storage conditions.The study highlights the importance of these fruits as accessible and cost-effective sources of vitamin C and health-promoting phytochemicals that support immune function, antioxidant defense, and overall well-being. The findings provide useful baseline data for consumers, nutritionists, farmers, and public health stakeholders and emphasize the need for improved handling and storage practices to preserve fruit quality. This research contributes to existing literature on fruit nutritional quality in Nigeria and supports dietary recommendations that encourage increased consumption of locally available fruits.This study assessed the vitamin C content and phytochemical variability in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) sold in Gboko Town, Benue State. Fresh fruit samples were purchased from selected local markets within Gboko and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Vitamin C content was determined using the iodine titration method, while qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to detect the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, and terpenoids.The results showed that watermelon contained a higher vitamin C content (14.08 ± 0.32 mg/100 mL) compared to cucumber (6.38 ± 0.21 mg/100 mL). Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, and terpenoids in both fruits, while alkaloids were detected only in cucumber. These findings indicate that both fruits are valuable sources of essential micronutrients and bioactive compounds that contribute to antioxidant activity and overall health. The study concludes that watermelon and cucumber sold in Gboko markets retain appreciable nutritional quality and can significantly contribute to dietary vitamin C intake and phytochemical consumption. Proper handling and storage practices are recommended to preserve their nutritional integrity.