Phytochemical Studies, Proximate and Mineral Composition of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Duranta repens Linn (Verbenaceae)

摘要

Background and Objective: Duranta repens Linn (Verbenaceae) is a flowering shrub popularly used as ornamental plant to decorate environment and surroundings; it is an exotic species of tropical American descent. Previous studies indicated antimalarial, antiviral and cytotoxic activities. This study was carried out to determine the toxicity level (LD₅₀), phytoconstituents, proximate composition and mineral element contents of the leaves with a view to assess its nutritional potentials in relation to its ethnomedicinal uses and alleviating the problem of malnutrition. Methodology: The dry plant material was macerated in 70% aqueous ethanol for 72 h and the dry extract subjected to lethal dose (LD₅₀) test, phytochemical screening , proximate analysis and mineral elements determination using standard protocols. Results: In acute toxicity test, LD₅₀ of 1224.74 mg kg^?1 was obtained, while the phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, terpenes and alkaloids in high concentrations. The proximate analysis indicated high content of carbohydrate (60.48±1.05%), crude protein (14.40±0.75%), crude fibre (13.63±1.37%) and ash (11.49±0.01%) while lipid was low (0.78±0.04%). The minerals assay recorded the following: Sodium (5.774±0.017 mg/100g), zinc (4.606±0.06 mg/100g), potassium (3.259±0.011 mg/100g), iron (1.430±0.069 mg/100g), manganese (1.073±0.105 mg/100g), copper (0.166±0.001 mg/100g), calcium (0.128±0.006 mg/100g) and magnesium (0.045±0.009 mg/100g). The chemical constituents, mineral elements and food contents might have synergized to provide medicinal uses of the plant. Conclusion: The leaf plant material is not poisonous and that it contains beneficial nutrients and mineral elements comparable to other leafy vegetables. Thus, the consumption of these plant materials as observed among local people here does not constitute any health hazard but can help to combat malnutrition.