Determination of Phytochemical Content of Dry Colocasia esculenta (cocoyam) Leaves Consumed by the People of Ezeagu in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study investigated the phytochemical composition of dried Colocasia esculenta (cocoyam) leaves traditionally consumed in Ezeagu, Enugu State, Nigeria.The leaves, collected and air-dried, were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses using ethanol extraction.Qualitative screening revealed the presence of bioactive constituents including carbohydrates, reducing sugars, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and glycosides.Quantitative results indicated high tannin content (16.15%), followed by alkaloids (1.41%) and saponins (1.03%).Flavonoids (0.61%), glycosides (0.014%), and phenols (0.0012%) were present in lower concentrations.The phytochemical profile underscores the nutritional and medicinal potential of dry cocoyam leaves, particularly their astringent, antioxidant, and therapeutic properties.These findings support the traditional use of cocoyam leaves in local diets and herbal remedies, and advocate for their wider dietary inclusion and further pharmacological exploration.