Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Elemental Composition of Andrographic paniculata Leaves
Ime R. Ekanem *
Department of Chemical Sciences, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria.
Nsikak B. Essien
Department of Chemical Sciences, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria.
Ima I. Ekanem
Department of Chemical Sciences, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Nigeria.
R.S.Zayyan
Department of Basic and Applied Sciences,Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Iheanyichukwu E. Chukwuemeka
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Ibom Metropolitan Polytechnic, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This research work was designed to determine the phytochemical and elemental composition of Andrographic paniculata leaves grown in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The analysis was carried out using standard procedures. The results of the phytochemical constituents were as follows: alkaloids (2.48 + 0.36%), saponins (9.56 + 0.77%), Flavonoids (4.57 + 0.07%), Tannins ((12.34 + 0.36%) and cardiac glycosides (0.39 + 0.01%). The results of the elemental composition were as follows: Magnesium (3.02 + 0.05mg/kg), calcium (5.57 + 0.07 mg/kg), potassium (20.70 + 0.11 mg/kg), sodium (1.58 + 0.61 mg/kg), Zinc (2.17 + 0.08 mg/kg), Copper (10.45 + 0.14 mg/kg) and Iron (12.50 + 0.21 mg/kg). The phytochemicals present in this plant may be responsible for its medicinal properties. The elemental composition shows that the plant may be rich in minerals.
Keywords: Andrographic paniculata, phytochemicals, mineral elemental