Abstract

As part of an investigation into the antidiabetic mechanism of some indigenous medicinal plants, the proximate, vitamins and mineral elements and phytochemical compositions of Azadirachta indica, Vernonia amygdalina and Gongronema latifolium were quantitatively determined using standard methods and compared. Of the 3 plants G. latifolium had highest (p<0.05) crude protein and fat contents but lowest in fibre composition, whereas A. indica with highest fibre content had lowest crude protein composition. Fat and ash were lowest in V. amygdalina. Also G. latifolium showed highest composition (p<0.05) of vitamins A, E and niacin content compared to A. indica and V. amygdalina. A. indica and V. amygdalina have higher (p<0.05) vitamin C and riboflavin composition. Flavonoids, saponins and polyphenols were significantly predominant (p<0.05) in V. amygdalina relative to A. indica and G. latifolium, whereas alkaloids and HCN were highest (p<0.05) in A. indica. However, G. latifolium had the highest composition of tannins among the three plants. There appear to be a complement of biochemicals in the leaves of these plants which may account for reported hypoglycemic and antihyyperglycemic action.

Key words: Medicinal plants, phytochemical composition, Azadirachta indica,Vernonia amydalina, Gongronema latifolium.