Proximate Composition of Leaves of the African Rosewood (<i>Pterocarpus erinaceus</i>)

Abstract

Plants have always been exploited worldwide for food, medicines, shelter, and other purposes because they are readily available, affordable and acceptable to a large populace of the world. The study was conducted to gather information on the proximate composition of fresh and dry leaves of Pterocarpus erinaceus. The proximate composition of the leaf samples was determined using the standard methods of analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Proximate analysis of the fresh leaf samples of the plant shows a higher moisture content compared to the dry leaf samples. The total fat and total ash contents of the fresh leaf samples were however lower compared to values recorded for the dry leaf samples. The dry matter content of fresh leaf samples was also lower compared to that of the dry leaf samples. Fresh leaf samples again recorded the least crude protein content compared to dry leaf samples. Carbohydrates content in fresh leaf samples was higher compared to dry leaf samples. Generally, higher proximate values were recorded for dry leaf samples than for fresh leaves. Dry matter and moisture contents were detected in high quantities in both fresh and dry leaf samples of P. erinaceus. These results could be a justification for the multiple uses of the plant leaves across Sub-Saharan Africa. Further research should be carried out on the mineral, phytochemical and vitamin composition between the fresh and dry leaves of the plant.