Assessment of Proximate, Phytochemical and Selected Mineral Content of Acanthus montanus Leaf

Abstract

Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders belongs to the family Acanthaceae and is one of the most threatened and underutilized species of vegetables in Africa. However the leaves of this plant are part of a consortium infusion (agabada nkwu) given to post-natal mothers within and around Mbaise in Imo State, South Eastern Nigeria, to ensure health and vitality of both nursing mother and child. The proximate, phytochemical and selected mineral contents of the Acanthus montanus leaf were investigated to ascertain the various components. The fresh plant sample was obtained from Ife, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo state, Nigeria. The sample was air-dried at room temperature for 72 hours prior to the various analyses, which were done using standard methods. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed 1.60 % flavonoids, 6.67 % tannins, 5.60  % alkaloids, 6.45 % saponins, 0.26 % phytate, 5.41% oxalate, 0.49 % phenol and 0.019 % Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN). The percentage proximate evaluation for moisture content, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, ash content and fat were: 11.85, 37.86, 17.72, 16.70, 10.56 and 5.31 respectively, while the percentage quantities of selected minerals; iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, manganese, zinc and copper were: 0.014, 0.569, 3.152, 0.909, 0.089, 0.202, 0.009, 0.010 and 0.001 respectively. Acanthus montanus is reported for its nutritional and medicinal values throughout Africa. The result of this work suggests further exploitation of the parts of Acanthus montanus to unveil more of its potential uses for the treatment of diseases.