Proximate Analysis and Phytochemical Screening of Triclisia subcordata Oliv Leaf
F. N. Okpara
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
E. O. Nwaichi
*
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
J. O. Akaninwor
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of Triclisia subcordata Oliv leaf were investigated using standard analytical methods. Results of the proximate analysis showed contents for moisture (79.28±2.32%), ash (1.91±0.21%), crude fibre (1.83±0.13%), lipid (1.81±0.16%), crude protein (8.32±1.20%) and carbohydrate (6.91±0.74%). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of all six metabolites studied but at different concentrations. Saponin and flavonoids > alkaloids > phenol, tannin and cyanogenic glycoside. Tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides and phenol gave 0.01±0.00%, 5.81±0.23%, 2.32±0.13%, 6.01±0.36%, 0.20±0.00% and 0.03±0.00%. Given observed high contents of moisture, flavonoids and saponins, moderate amounts of alkaloids and low contents of lipid, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins and phenols in Triclisia subcordata Oliv leaf, this study rationalises the medicinal use of the plant, and unveils its potential as a source of micronutrients.
Keywords: Triclisia subcordata oliv, proximate analysis, phytochemical screening, analytical methods, traditional medicine.