Abstract
Aim: This study was to evaluate the phytochemical and mineral elements of Vernonia amygdalina leaf grown in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. Methods: Standard methods were used for the phytochemical screening while the elemental analysis was done by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results: The results revealed high concentrations in mg/100g of the bioactive constituents; Flavonoids (2165, 2080, 2250 and 2285), Alkaloids (1955, 2450, 2610 and 2375) and Saponins (1850, 2080, 2250 and 2285) in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo states respectively. The mineral analysis indicates higher concentrations of Cl(38.47mg/100g, 42.37mg/100g, 51.23mg/100g and 47.57mg/100g) in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo states followed by Fe++ in mg/100g (6.57, 5.87, 7.23 and 7.77) in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo states respectively. Conclusion: The leaf of Vernonia amygdalina contains mineral elements and phytochemicals that are nutritionally and medicinally important for human health;it also shows that those grown in Delta and Edo States are relatively richer in both their mineral and phytochemical contents than those grown in Anambra and Imo States. Key words: Vernonia amygdalina leaf, Phytochemicals, Minerals.
Highlights
A member of the Asteaceae family, is a small perennial shrub that grows in tropical Africa in Nigeria
The bitter leaf contains more of Fe++, followed by Cu++, Zn++ and Mn++ in that order. While it contains very high levels of Cl- within the anions followed by I- and zero level of F- as well as zero level of Mo++.Table 2 below, shows the phytochemical concentration in Mg/100g of Vernonia amylgdalina in the four states under study
It is a perennial shrub that grows in the tropical Africa and is found in all parts of Nigeria
Summary
A member of the Asteaceae family, is a small perennial shrub that grows in tropical Africa in Nigeria. The leaves are elliptical and up to 20cm long with a rough back. It is commonly called bitter leaf in English because of its bitter taste (Ijike, 2011). Its anti cancerous effects as well as influence on body estrogen have been documented (Blanco et al, 2010;Opata and Izevbigie, 2006;Song et al, 2005;Izevbigie et al, 2004;Jisaca et al, 1993;Kupchan et al, 1969). Its antioxidant activities as well as its effects on blood glucose and lipids have
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