Mineral composition and antioxidant analysis of the leaves of monkey’s potato (Solenostemon monostachyus (P. Beauv) Briq)

Abstract

This study investigated the mineral composition and antioxidant potentials of the leaves of Monkey’s Potato (Solenostemon monostachyus (P. Beauv.) Briq.) The leaves of S. monostachyus used in this study were collected from the Biological garden at College of Education,  Warri, Delta State. Standard methods were employed to determine the composition of minerals and antioxidant capacity of S.  monostachyus. The results from the mineral analysis revealed that calcium had the highest composition (2.64 ± 0.01 mg/kg) followed by  manganese (1.74 ± 0.00 mg/kg) and zinc (1.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg). While the composition of iron, copper, nickel and lead were 0.83 ± 0.01  mg/kg, 0.64 ± 0.01 mg/kg, 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/kg and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg respectively. Results from the antioxidant analysis (DPPH Assay)  revealed a significant difference in the radical scavenging activity of Solenostemon monostachyus and Ascorbic acid, with Solenostemon  monostachyus having a significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 0.25ug/ml than Ascorbic acid with an  IC₅₀ value of 0.03ug/ml. The total antioxidant capacity of Solenostemon monostachyus was 0.6 ± 0.01 (AAE/g) indicative of strong antioxidant activity. These minerals and antioxidant properties may account for the various health benefits of Solenostemon  monostachyus. Based on the result obtained, it is therefore recommended that S. monostachyus should be cultivated for its various  nutritional and antioxidant potentials rather than being treated as a weed.