Proximate composition, phytochemical screening and mineral content of Plukenetia conophora leaves

The aim of this research is to determine the proximate composition, phytochemical and minerals present in Plukenetia conophora leaf. Proximate, Phytochemical and mineral analysis of the leaves were determined using the standard spectrophotometric method. The result of the proximate composition showed that the leaf contains Carbohydrate (57.14%), Lipid (17.70%), Ash (11.57%), Moisture (9.01%), Fiber (1.73%), Protein (2.84%) and calorific value of 399.19%. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of Alkaloids (13.6mg/100g), Cyanogenic glycoside (9.67mg/100g), Tanin (7.81mg/100g), Terpenoid (5.19mg/100g), Steroid (4.68mg/100g), Flavonoid (2.46mg/100g) and Lignan (1.58mg/100g). The result of the mineral content of the leaf was showed to be Na (0.51mg/kg), K (68.07mg/kg), P (4.50mg/kg), Ca (15.06mg/kg), Mg (8.21mg/kg), Fe (6.44mg/kg), Mn (1.71mg/kg), Zn (7.20mg/kg), Cu (3.11mg/kg), Se (0.26mg/kg), Cr (3.98mg/kg), Pb (1.42mg/kg), Cd (0.08mg/kg). The result showed that Plukenetia conophora leaf is a rich source of lipid, carbohydrate, alkaloids, glycosides, K, Ca, Zn, Cr and Fe. And can be used as medicinal leaf in treatment of some ailments.