Abstract
Leafy vegetables are cheap and affordable therefore are consumed by all human beings. However, in some cases these vegetables are threatened by some metals which tend to pose harmful effects to humans. Samples of Vitex doniana (black plum) fresh leaves were collected around Jega metropolis of Kebbi State Nigeria. The leaves were washed, dried, grounded into powder and analyzed for trace metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The proximate analysis revealed that moisture, ash, lipid, crude fiber, protein and carbohydrate contents on dry weight basis were 5.33, 12.33, 4.16, 3.83, 16.83 and 62.83% respectively. This indicates that the black plum fresh leaves could be a good source of protein, minerals, and carbohydrate. The trace metals level in mg/100g dry weight determined were in the order of Cu > Fe > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cd. The result revealed that the concentrations of Pb and Cu were found to be higher than the recommended daily dietary for green leaves. While the concentration of Ni and Cd were found to be below the recommended daily dietary for green leaves for both categories of persons. But that of Fe and Zn are within the range. The result suggests that no hazard to human with respect to Cd, Ni, Fe and Zn on black plum fresh leaves consumption. However, excessive intake of Pb and Cu through the consumption of fresh black plum leaves may lead to health risks Therefore, care should be taken in the application of manure and phosphate fertilizers to reduce the accumulation of trace metals by vegetables.

Key words: Vitex doniana, leaves, heavy metals, proximate composition, Jega