Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial Activities and Nutritional content of Jatropha Tanjorensis Leaves

Abstract

The leaves of Jatropha tanjarensis were collected and assessed for their phytochemical compositions and antimicrobial activities using methanolic and hexane extracts as to determine the bioactive components and their effects on microorganisms. Also, the nutritional potential was investigated through the determination of proximate composition using standard procedures. The result of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars, steroids, alkaloids and flavonoids in methanolic extract, the same observation was recorded in n-hexane extract except that reducing sugars were absent and phlobotannins were present. The antimicrobial activities of the leaves extract show that it have some antimicrobial properties. Results of the proximate composition and mineral analysis revealed that the plant is a good source of fiber and minerals. Therefore, leaves of Jatropha tanjarensisapart from being used as antimicrobial agents, can serve as good sources of fiber and minerals when used as vegetables.