Nutritional Quality and Phytochemical Analysis of The Leave and Stem of Andrographis Paniculata (BURN.F) Grown in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria Ademiluyi B.O.*, Oyeyemi S.D., Obembe O. M. Department of Plant Science, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, PMB 5363, Nigeria *Corresponding Author: Ademiluyi Benson Oluwafemi, Email: femnikben@yahoo.com
Online published on 21 January, 2017. Abstract This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical constituents and nutritional values of Andrographis paniculata using various standard methods. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and reducing sugar in both the leaves and stem of the plant. However, Terpenoids and Phlobatanins were found in the leaves and stem of A. paniculata respectively. Quantitatively, high concentration (mg/100g) of Saponin, (56.17 and 89.81), Flavonoid (38.83 and 39.53), Tannin (30.10 and 28.52), Alkaloid (21.44 and 35.94), Phenol (27.64 and 58.62), Cardiac glycosides (32.61 and 60.48) and reducing sugar (6.79 and 20.79) were estimated in the leaves and stem respectively. The percentage composition of carbohydrate and fiber in the leaves and stem were generally high with the content of 42.80 and 49.05, 39.85 and 35.45 respectively. Crude protein (4.03 and 3.33mg/100g) and ash content (4.53 and 5.47 mg/100g) were moderately present while the crude fat (0.31 and 0.97 mg/100g) obtained was very low. The results of the mineral element indicate high concentration of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron. Cadmium and lead were not detected in the samples analyzed. The results of this study showed that the leaves and stem of A. paniculata are rich in carbohydrate, fiber and protein as well as other essential mineral elements which give credence to its widely acclaimed nutritional and health benefits. Its phytochemical richness justifies its preventive, protective and therapeutic properties. Top Keywords A. paniculata, Phytochemical, Mineral element, Therapeutic. Top |