Proximate, Mineral Composition and Phytochemical Screening of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Alafia barteri Oliv. (Apocynaceae)

Alafia barteri leaves are valued for its efficacy in the traditional medicine system in Nigeria. It has been used over the years for the treatment of various diseases some of which include malaria, sickle cell anaemia, and eye infections. This has necessitated the evaluation of its chemical composition to ensure its safety for human use. This study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, proximate and elemental composition of Alafia barteri leaf. The phytochemicals and proximate analyses were carried out using standard methods. The mineral elements were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The proximate analysis of the leaves showed it contained moisture 8.6%, crude fibre 48.29%, protein 15.84%, carbohydrate 13.13%, lipids 7.23% and ash 6.75%. The mineral analysis of the leaves revealed the presence of the following minerals: calcium (96.2 mg/100 g), manganese (74.8 mg/100 g), iron (46.2 mg/100 g), magnesium (31.05 mg/100 g), potassium (3.3 mg/ 100 g), sodium (2.9 mg/100 g). The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, anthraquinones, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. The study revealed the leaves of Alafia barteri to be a potential source of minerals and nutrients needed for human nutrition.