Phytochemical, proximate and mineral analysis of leaves and tubers of Icacina trichantha

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of the phytochemical, proximate, and mineral composition of the leaves and tuber of Icacina trichantha using standard analytical procedures. Phytochemical screening of hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides. Proximate analysis indicated that the crude protein contents of the leaves and tubers were 26.97% and 10.94%, respectively. The crude fibre content was 43.25% in the leaves and 10.50% in the tubers. Carbohydrate content was significantly higher in the tubers (73.64%) compared to the leaves (22.37%). Mineral analysis showed that the leaves contained 1111 mg/100g of potassium, 338 mg/100g of magnesium, 290 mg/100g of calcium, and 21.14 mg/100g of iron. In contrast, the tubers contained 382 mg/100g of potassium, 191 mg/100g of magnesium, 163 mg/100g of calcium, and 14.24 mg/100g of iron. While the tubers had higher carbohydrate content, the leaves contain higher levels of crude protein, crude fibre, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. These findings suggest that, beyond their medicinal applications, the leaves and tubers of Icacina trichantha possess valuable nutritional properties, indicating their potential as alternative food sources.