"International Journal of Herbal Medicine"

Volume 1, Issue 3

 

Chemical evaluation and nutritive values of African walnut leaf (Plukenetia conophora Mull.arg.)

 

Author(s): O.O.E. Onawumi ¹, O.O. P. Faboya ², P.B. Ayoola ³
1. Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B.4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
2. Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B.4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
3. Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B.4000, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Abstract: Sample of Plukenetia conophora leaf (African walnut) was analysed for Proximate composition, secondary metabolites, vitamins and mineral constituents. The result of proximate analysis shows that the leaf contained 29±0.71% moisture, 5.63±0.08% fat, 14.92±0.04% fibre, 16.62±0.30% protein, 12.89±0.02% Ash and 20.94±0.01% carbohydrate. The secondary metabolites screening and subsequent quantification revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as tannin which is 0.560±0.01mg/kg, alkaloids, 2.670±0.02mg/kg, saponin, 1.080±0.01mg/kg and anthraquinones, 0.130±mg/kg. The mineral analysis revealed the presence of K which is 15937±0.02mg/kg, Na, 7980±0.01mg/kg, Ca, 18700±0.02mg/kg, Mg, 1766.25±0.1mg/kg, Fe, 4610±0.10mg/kg, Zn, 61.15±0.08mg/kg, Mn, 79.50±0.03mg/kg and Cu, 8.60±0.10mg/kg. Vitamin composition results showed that the leaf contained Thiamine (B1) 0.29±0.01µg/100g, Ascorbic acid (C) 16.28mg/100g, Riboflavin (B2) 0.34±0.01µg/g, Niacin, 0.12±0.3µg/1 00g and Cyanocobalamin (B12), 0.23±0.03µg/100g. The results proved that Plukenetia conophora leaf is a food and could be a potential source of useful drug formulation.

Download Full Article : Click Here