PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF PIPER METHYSTICUM G. FORST. LEAVES EXPOSED TO ALPHA-SPIN NANOPARTICLE

Despite the fact that pre-harvest treatments are known to have an impact on the nutritional and phytochemical makeup of medicinal plants, alpha-spin nanoparticles' effects on Piper methysticum are still unknown.Comprehending this effect is essential to maximising its therapeutic and nutritional benefits.This study evaluated the proximate and phytochemical composition of Piper methysticum exposed to alpha-spin nanoparticles.Seeds were treated for 10 and 20 minutes and planted in the field using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three biological replications and maintained under standard cultural practices.Standard laboratory methods were employed for proximate and phytochemical analysis.Data from proximate analysis were statistically analyzed using a paired-sample t-test with significance determined at P 0.05.Proximate composition differed significantly among treatments.Leaves from 20-minute exposure exhibited the highest levels of ash (14.730.42),crude protein (19.420.53),crude fiber (3.670.37),carbohydrates (46.560.78),moisture content (15.650.22),and fat (13.810.33).In contrast, 10-minute exposure yielded lower values across all parameters.Phytochemical screening, conducted using qualitative methods, indicated the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, and tannins in leaves exposed to both treatments, whereas flavonoids were absent.Control samples lacked alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids.The findings suggest that 20-minute exposure to alpha-spin nanoparticles enhances the nutritional and phytochemical profile of Piper methysticum.This study highlights the potential of alpha-spin nanoparticle treatment in improving the nutritional quality of medicinal plant.