Comparative Phytochemical and Nutritional Profiles of Ficus capensis and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius Leaves
- September 18, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS Team
- Categories: Biochemistry, IJRIAS
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume V, Issue III, January 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
Ezeigwe Obiajulu Christian1*, Okpala Chukwuemeka Obumneme2, Ogana Joy3, Akonam Nkemakonam Edith4, Aziagba Bibian Okwuchukwu5, Nnadi Naomi Ngozi6, Anekwe Ozioma Juliana7, Nwobodo Valentine Osita Godwin8
1,2,3,6,8Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. Nigeria
4Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State. Nigeria
5Department of Botany, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
7Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract: – This study investigated the phytochemical, proximate, mineral, vitamin contents of Ficus capensis and Cnidoscolus aconitifolius leaves. Phytochemical and Proximate analysis were done according to the AOAC methods. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine the mineral content while vitamins were determined spectrophotometrically using the standard method of AOAC. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Flavonoids, alkaloids, Tannin, Saponin, Phytate, Haemaglutinnin, Oxalate, Cardiac glycosides and Phenol in the leaf extract of F. capensis and C. aconitifolius. The proximate composition of the dried leaf of F.capensis was; moisture (11.35± 1.45 %), crude protein (10.85 ± 0.31%), crude fibre (12.38 ± 0.71%), crude fat (3.48±0.01%), ash (6.37 ± 0.30%) and carbohydrate (55.57 ± 3.02%). On the other hand, that of C. aconitifolius was; moisture (11.35 ± 0.30%), crude protein (10.85±0.52%), crude fibre (12.38 ± 0.02%), crude fat (3.48 ± 0.02%) ash (6.37 ± 0.09%) and carbohydrate (55.57 ± 1.08%). Elemental analyses showed that C. aconitifolius had significantly higher (p<0.05) levels of the elements (Cadmium, Arsenic, Fe, Pb, Cu, Na) when compared to F. capensis. The leaf of C. aconitifolius was significantly higher in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E and K (p<0.05) when compared to that of F. capensis. However, F. capensis leaf had higher vitamins B12 and D contents than C. aconitifolius. This study suggests that these two plants can serve as a good source of nutraceutical.
Keywords: Phytochemical, proximate, mineral, vitamin, Ficus capensis, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius
