Evaluation of the Mineral Element Profile of Pterocarpus santalinoides (Nturukpa) from Otu Ansa, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the mineral elements profile of Pterocarpus santalinoides, commonly known as “Nturukpa,” to evaluate its nutritional value and food safety potential. A comparative laboratory analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) on both tender and mature leaves of the plant. For the analysis, ten grams of leaf samples were collected from Otu Ansa in Calabar. These samples were identified botanically, thoroughly washed, dried, and then extracted using Soxhlet extraction with distilled water. The extracts were analyzed using AAS to quantify the presence of key macronutrients, including hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as micronutrients such as nickel, silicon, zinc, iron, copper, and manganese. The data obtained were statistically processed using SPSS software, with significance determined at P = .05 via ANOVA. The findings indicated that the tender leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoides contained significantly higher concentrations of minerals compared to the mature leaves. Specifically, the calcium content in the tender leaves was measured at 89.80 ± 0.01 mg/kg, while mature leaves showed a lower level of 56.24 ± 0.38 mg/kg. Additionally, the iron content in tender leaves reached 323.93 ± 0.01 mg/kg, compared to 202.86 ± 0.02 mg/kg in mature samples. The enhanced mineral profile found in the tender leaves suggests that Pterocarpus santalinoides could serve as a valuable dietary supplement, offering significant implications for nutritional interventions and food safety.