Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Elemental Composition of Andrographic paniculata Leaves

This research work was designed to determine the phytochemical and elemental composition of Andrographic paniculata leaves grown in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The analysis was carried out using standard procedures. The results of the phytochemical constituents were as follows: alkaloids (2.48 + 0.36%), saponins (9.56 + 0.77%), Flavonoids (4.57 + 0.07%), Tannins ((12.34 + 0.36%) and cardiac glycosides (0.39 + 0.01%). The results of the elemental composition were as follows: Magnesium (3.02 + 0.05mg/kg), calcium (5.57 + 0.07 mg/kg), potassium (20.70 + 0.11 mg/kg), sodium (1.58 + 0.61 mg/kg), Zinc (2.17 + 0.08 mg/kg), Copper (10.45 + 0.14 mg/kg) and Iron (12.50 + 0.21 mg/kg). The phytochemicals present in this plant may be responsible for its medicinal properties. The elemental composition shows that the plant may be rich in minerals.