摘要
The proximate, elemental and phytochemical compositions of the leaves of Pterocarpus soyauxii (Oha) were studied. The results obtained for the proximate composition showed the following: moisture content (17.2%), ash content (5.7%), crude fibre (17.2%), crude protein (29.5%), crude fat (4.15%) and carbohydrates (25.95%). The results of the mineral (elemental) analysis in mg/L showed the following to be present in the leaves: Ca (4.04), Cu (0.20), Zn (1.39), Mg (41.0), K (0.31), Mn (0.17), Na (32.0) and Fe (0.60) with Pb and Cr absent. The leaves also contained vitamin A (0.2044 mg/g) and vitamin C (0.4470 mg/g). The phytochemical analysis of different solvent extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and tannins. Flavonoids, phenols and steroids were absent. These findings showed that the leaves of Pterocarpus soyauxii are good sources of beneficial micronutrients, mineral elements and secondary metabolites which are required for healthy growth, justifying the use of the leaves for the popular “Oha” soup of the Igbos of South East Nigeria.
The proximate, elemental and phytochemical compositions of the leaves of Pterocarpus soyauxii (Oha) were studied. The results obtained for the proximate composition showed the following: moisture content (17.2%), ash content (5.7%), crude fibre (17.2%), crude protein (29.5%), crude fat (4.15%) and carbohydrates (25.95%). The results of the mineral (elemental) analysis in mg/L showed the following to be present in the leaves: Ca (4.04), Cu (0.20), Zn (1.39), Mg (41.0), K (0.31), Mn (0.17), Na (32.0) and Fe (0.60) with Pb and Cr absent. The leaves also contained vitamin A (0.2044 mg/g) and vitamin C (0.4470 mg/g). The phytochemical analysis of different solvent extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and tannins. Flavonoids, phenols and steroids were absent. These findings showed that the leaves of Pterocarpus soyauxii are good sources of beneficial micronutrients, mineral elements and secondary metabolites which are required for healthy growth, justifying the use of the leaves for the popular “Oha” soup of the Igbos of South East Nigeria.
