Abstract

Ocimum canum Sims is an underutilized medicinal plant that grows in south-western Nigeria. The leaf is used for the treatment of gastrointestinal problems and also for the preparation of local soups. The phytochemical and nutrient compositions of its leaves were investigated using established analytical procedures. The phytochemical analysis of the plant revealed high concentrations of flavonoids (10.00%), saponins and tannins, but low levels of phenolics and alkaloids. The leaves showed high carbohydrate content (639.6 g/kg), ash, crude fat and crude fiber, but very low in protein content. The study reveals high concentration of calcium (50.72 g/kg) with appreciable levels of potassium, sodium, phosphorous and magnesium. In addition, the plant was found to be a good source of iron, zinc and manganese. Furthermore, the concentrations of cadmium (0.01 g/kg) and lead (0.02 g/kg), which are toxic metals were very low, while the vitamin C content of the leaves was found to be high (0.05 g/kg). The result of this study therefore revealed that the leaves of O. canum are a good source of phytochemicals and nutrients that can be harnessed to combat nutritional deficiencies, especially in the rural communities.

Key words: Ocimum canum, phytochemicals, proximate, mineral and nutrient composition.