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Fresh and dried Euphorbia
heterophylla leaf was assessed for proximate composition and
nutrient contents. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard
methods. Proximate analysis (total protein, fats, carbohydrate, ash and
moisture contents) were carried out following methods of Association of
Official analytical chemist. Macronutrient (Ca, Mg, Na and K) and
micronutrients (Ni, Zn, Pb, Fe, Cu and K) were analyzed using atomic
absorption spectrometry. The results revealed concentrations of both
macro and micronutrients in the plant sample. The elemental composition
ranged between 0.07 ± 0.01 to 446.27 ± 8.72 mg/100 g in both fresh and
dried sample respectively. Fresh sample contained lower carbohydrate,
protein, fat etc than the dried sample. The proximate composition ranged
between 0.7 ± 0.10 to 88.47 ± 2.68%. Alkaloid, tannins, saponins,
terpenoid, flavonoids were found in the plant sample. In conclusion,
both samples have higher nutritional as well as medicinal values.
Key words:
Euphorbia heterophylla, proximate composition medicinal plant,
macro and micronutrients. |
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