Abstract

The elemental composition of Chanca piedra (stone breaker leaf) alternatively called Phyllantus amarus (Euphorbiaceae) was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy, AAS. Chanca piedra a tropical medicinal plant, is reportedly useful in blocking kidney stone formation and has anti-hepatitis B activity. The acid digested samples were subjected to AAS analysis. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer (PG-990) is a fully automated instrument used in the flame configuration option, controlled by a personal computer, with Microsoft windows as the operating system. Results showed that manganese (Mn) (228.9 ± 3.3 mg/kg), zinc (Zn) (41.7 ± 0.9 mg/kg), iron (Fe) (459.3 ± 3.3 mg/kg), calcium (Ca) (521.9 ± 1.8 mg/kg) and magnesium (Mg) (397.4 ± 1.3 mg/kg) were present in the plant. These high concentrations of calcium, iron and magnesium in this plant should be useful for electrolyte balance, enhancement of growth, bone and teeth formation, and activation of enzyme reactions. It should also have implications for drug development in this part of the world for the treatment of some kidney and other related medical problems. The result equally shows the suitability of Chanca piedra leaves for consumption and confirms its folkloric applications in traditional medications.

Highlights

  • Phyllantus, is a large genus and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, America, Asia and Oceania [1]

  • Consequent of the claims of the medicinal benefits of Chanca piedra leaf, this study sets out to determine the elemental composition of the plant with Iwo, South-west Nigeria as habitat using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

  • The line source PG-990 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, LS AAS located at the Central Science Research Laboratory of the Bowen University, Iwo was used in the flame configuration mode for the elemental analysis

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Summary

Introduction

Phyllantus, is a large genus and widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, America, Asia and Oceania [1]. In South-west Nigeria, this plant is known locally as eyin olobe among the indigenous Yoruba people, where there exists an unpublished claim that a patient diagnosed with gall stones, after taking unregulated doses of extractions from this plant’s leaves was relieved of the ailment [6]. Since the mid-1960s, Chanca piedra has been the subject of much phytochemical research to determine the active constituents and their pharmacological activities. It is a rich source of phytochemicals, including many which have been found only in the Phyllanthus genus. Consequent of the claims of the medicinal benefits of Chanca piedra leaf, this study sets out to determine the elemental composition of the plant with Iwo, South-west Nigeria as habitat using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). A scientific platform from which objective deductions can be made on the therapeutic properties and other medicinal benefits of this plant will develop

Materials and Methods
Results
Discussions and Conclusion
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