PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF LEPIDIUM SATIVUM LINN

Lepidium sativum is eaten as a vegetable plant. Its seed, root, and above ground parts are also used for medication. Garden cress also contains chemicals that might help fight some bacteria and viruses. Proximate analysis is very important because it provides respected information about the composition of food samples, which include crude fibre, crude lipid, crude protein ash, carbohydrate and moisture contents. This information is valuable in many aspects of the food industry, including product development, quality control, and regulatory purposes. This research work is aimed at proximate analysis and phytochemical analysis of Lepidium sativum leaves. The sample was collected in Sokoto Central Market, Sokoto State. Cold maceration method was used for extraction using aqueous solvent. Methods described by Association of Official and Analytical Chemist (AOAC) was used in carrying out this analysis. Results of nutritional investigation showed the content of Moisture (5.17±0.28 %), Ash (15.17±0.28 %), Crude lipid (2.83±0.40 %), Crude fibre (6.17±0.28 %), Crude protein (14.56±0.22 %) and Carbohydrate (61.28±0.38 %). The results of phyto-constituents showed that Saponins, Tannins, Alkaloids, Steroids, Flavonoids, Anthraquinones and Terpenoids were detected. The results of proximate analysis showed high content of protein which is play a role in development of our body diet. They also contain an element 'building blocks' known as amino acids which can be used as a source of energy. The results also showed high content of carbohydrate which is act as an energy source, help control blood glucose and insulin metabolism, participate in cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism, and help with fermentation.