Chemical Profile of Leaves and Roots of Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum)

Abstract

Proximate analysis, elemental analysis and phytochemical analysis were conducted on leaves and roots of S. dulcificum (miracle fruit). The results of proximate analysis of the leaves sample showed  the following compositions: protein (6.62±0.02)%, crude lipid (12±2.00)%, crude fibre (17.5±0.50)%, moisture (40.30±1.53)%, ash (6.70±2.00)% and carbohydrate (57.60±0.01)%, while that of roots samples showed protein (5.6±0.07)%, crude lipid (7.5±1.4)%, crude fibre (20.30±1.53)%, moisture (29.2±1.06)%, ash (8.00±1.56)%, and carbohydrate (58.60±0.01)%. Meanwhile the phytochemical screening analysis of the leaves of S. dulcificum showed the following concentrations in the leaf smples; alkaloids (0.6±0.20)%, saponins (2.80±0.20)%, flavonoids (2.8±0.2)%, polyphenols (3.52±0.10)% cardiac glycosides (3.44±0.20)%. Similarly, the root samples exhibited the following concentrations: saponins (0.6±0.02)%, polyphenols (4.30±0.10)%, anthraquinones (0.02±0.12)% and cardiac glycosides (4.40±0.20)%. On the other hand, the mineral elements concentrations of the leaf samples were as follows; Ca(0.001±0.00) mg/100 g, Cr(0.0006±0.00) mg/100 g, Fe(0.0029±0.01) mg/100 g, Zn (0.0095±0.00) mg/100 g Cu (0.00082±0.01) mg/100 g while that of root samples were recorded thus; Ca(0.00134±0.01) mg/100 g, Cr(0.00073±0.01) mg/100 g, Zn(0.0097±0.01) mg/100 g Fe(0.00025±0.01) mg/100 g and Cu (0.007±0.01) mg/100 g. Generally, the leaf samples of S. dulcificum were rich in carbohydrate and moisture while the roots were rich in carbohydrate, moisture and fibre. Ash, fat and protein also showed remarkable concentration. Essential mineral elements were present at required concentration thus making S. dulcificum an important source of phytomedicine in the study area.