Proximate and nutrient composition of Euphorbia hetrophylla: A medicinal plant from Anyigba, Nigeria

Document Abstract / Summary Overview

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.