THE PHYTOCHEMICALS, PROXIMATE AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSES OF SECURINEGA VIROSA LEAF EXTRACTS

Securinega virosa leaves are used in the treatment of fever, body pain, stomachache, rheumatism, diarrhea, pneumonia, diabetes and epilepsy. The study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical properties, proximate and elemental analyses of the leaf extracts of Securinega virosa. The mineral elements were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, equipped with air acetylene flame; spectrophotometer and flame photometer. The phytochemicals and proximate analyses were carried out using standard methods. The proximate analysis of the leaves of Securinega virosa showed that it contained moisture 10.88%, crude fibre 8.80%, crude fat 4.70%, ash 9.39%, crude protein 1.98 % and carbohydrate 64.25%.The mineral analysis of the leaves showed that they contain the following essential minerals: Sodium (20.31mg/100g), potassium (3.67mg/100g), calcium (2.90 mg/100g), iron (2.02mg/100g), manganese (1.50mg/100g), copper (4.39mg/100g), magnesium (25.48mg/100g), zinc (0.85mg/100g), phosphorus (5.72mg/100g), lead (0.01mg/100g), cobalt(nil), cadmium(nil), chromium (0.01mg/100g) and Nickel (0.23mg/100g). The phytochemical screening of the leaves indicated the presence of Alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, balsams, saponins, phenols, flavonoids and cardenolide. The study revealed the leaves of Securinega virosa to be a potential source of nutrition, minerals and useful drugs for human body