Abstract
The leaf-extract of Cymbopogon citratus was evaluated for nutritional and anti-nutritional compositions. The results revealed that the plant leaves contained appreciable amounts of phyto-chemicals (alkaloids, glucosides, phenols, saponins, flavonoids and tannins), proximate compositions (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, crude fibre, ash and moisture), vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2 and B9) and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Na, K, Ca and Co) in varying degrees. These chemical compositions obtained may be responsible for the nutritional and therapeutic uses. The proximate, vitamin and mineral compositions obtained suggested that the leaves may serve as cheap sources of vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2 and B9 as well as other macro- and micro-nutrients, and could be incorporated into human diets to meet-up with their recommended daily dietary allowances. The content of flavonoids, vitamin A, C and E in the leaf extract also suggests possible anti-oxidant effects of the plant leaves.
Highlights
Medicinal plants are of great importance to health of individuals and communities in general
This paper was designed to quantify the secondary metabolite constituents, proximate, vitamins and minerals of Cymbopogon citratus used in alternative traditional medicine in South-East Nigeria
The method of Akubugwo et al [7] was adopted to assay for the quantitative phytochemical analyses to determine the concentrations of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, saponins, flavonoids and tannins in the leaves of Cymbopogon citratus
Summary
Medicinal plants are of great importance to health of individuals and communities in general. Many of the indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices, vegetables and foods They are sometimes added to foods meant for pregnant women and nursing mothers for medicinal purposes as reported by Adeniyi et al [1]. Cymbopogon citrates, commonly known as lemongrass, is a tropical perennial herb belonging to the family Poaceae (true grasses). It is commonly used in traditional Indian, Chinese, and Brazilian medicines [4]. The scientific evidence for its alleged therapeutic efficacy is still lacking Many of these reports concerning the effect of C. citratus described function of only one particular part of the plant. This paper was designed to quantify the secondary metabolite constituents, proximate, vitamins and minerals of Cymbopogon citratus used in alternative traditional medicine in South-East Nigeria
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