Phytochemical analysis, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Solanum macrocarpon leaves

  • Authors

    • Usunomena Usunobun benson idahosa university, benin city, edo state, nigeria
    • Igwe V. Chinwe
    2016-05-27
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijh.v4i1.6153
  • DPPH, Minerals, Phytochemicals, Reducing Power, Solanum Macrocarpon.

  • Background: The aim of this study is to determine phytochemicals and mineral composition as well as in vitro antioxidant activities of Solanum macrocarpon leaves.

    Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures while Mineral analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Solanum macrocarpon leaves were also subjected for measurement of reducing power and antioxidant/radical scavenging activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity).

    Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids etc. Mineral analysis showed calcium (256.60mg/100g) to be higher in concentration and copper (0.62mg/100g) least in concentration while manganese was absent. Other minerals includes magnesium (81.69mg/100g), potassium (87.22mg/100g), sodium (32.51mg/100g), iron (31.41mg/100g), zinc (1.41mg/100g). Solanum macrocarpon leaves showed maximum antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power capacity) as the higher the concentration, the higher the antioxidant activity, thus the better the free radical scavenging potentials.

    Conclusion: The data from this study revealed that Solanum macrocarpon has a rich content of phytochemicals, namely, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids as well as minerals, bioactive components that are associated with health impacts. This study also revealed that Solanum macrocarpon leaves exhibit antioxidant activity. These findings thus suggest that Solanum macrocarpon leaves could act as potent source of antioxidants.

  • References

    1. [1] Benowieez R. (1981). Vitamins and You, New York, Berklett Books.

      [2] Bukenya-ZirabaR & Bonsu KO. (2004). Solanum macrocarpon L. In: Grubben GJH, Denton OA (eds). Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. Vegetables/Legumes, Wageningen, Netherlands.

      [3] Dalziel JM, (1937). The useful plants of West Tropical Africa (New York: Longman) 1st edn. pp. 433–435.

      [4] Edijala JK, Asagba SO, Eriyamremu GE, &Atomatofa U. (2005). Comparative Effect of Garden Egg Fruit, Oat and Apple on Serum Lipid Profile in Rats Fed a High Cholesterol Diet. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 4 (4), 245-249. http://dx.doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2005.245. 249.

      [5] Harbone JB. (1998). Methods of extraction and isolation. In: Phy-tochemical Methods. Chapman and Hall, London;Pp60-66.

      [6] Heikens H, Fliers E, Endert E, Ackermans M, & Vanmontfrans G. (1995). Liquorice-induced hypertension a new understanding of an old disease: Journal of Medicine 5, 230-234.

      [7] Mensah JK, Okoli RI, Ohaju-Obodo JO & Eifediyi K (2008). Phytochemical, nutritional and medical properties of some leafy vegetables consumed by Edo people of Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology 7, 2304-2309.

      [8] Okaka JC, Enoch NTA & Okaka ANC (2006). Food and Human Nutrition. O. J. C Academic Publishers, Enugu, Nigeria. Pp.135-153.

      [9] Oladiran JA. (1989). the effects of fruit colour, processing technique and seed treatment on the germination of Solanum macrocarpon L. (Igbagba). Nigerian Journal of Technological Research 1(1), 17–20.

      [10] Onwueyiagba EO. (2001): Evaluation of the seed of M. pruiens as feed ingredient in poultry and pig diets. Ph.D. thesis in Animal nutrition, p. 44.

      [11] Sofowora LA. (1993). Medicinal plants and Traditional Medicine in Africa. Spectrum Books Ltd, Ibadan, pp55-71.

      [12] Trease GE & Evans WC. (1985). Pharmacognosy 11th Ed., Tindall Ltd, London, pp60-75.

      [13] Usunobun U, Okolie NP, Anyanwu OG.Adegbegi AJJ & Egharevba ME. (2015).Phytochemical screening and proximate composition of Annona muricata leaves. European Journal of Botany, Plant science and Phytology 2(1), 18-28.

      [14] Usunobun U & Okolie PN (2016). Phytochemical analysis and proximate composition of Vernonia amygdalina. International Journal of Scientific World 4 (1), 11-14. http://dx.doi.org/10.14419/ ijsw.v4i1.5845.

      [15] Usunobun U & Okolie NP (2015). Phytochemical analysis and mineral composition of Annona muricata leaves. International Journal of Research and Current Development 1(1), 38-42.

      [16] Usunobun U & Okolie NP. (2015). Phytochemical, trace and mineral composition of Vernonia amygdalina leaves. International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Research. 6(5), 393-399.

  • Downloads

  • How to Cite

    Usunobun, U., & V. Chinwe, I. (2016). Phytochemical analysis, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Solanum macrocarpon leaves. International Journal of Health, 4(1), 62-65. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijh.v4i1.6153