Abstract

Studies on the phytochemical, mineral, proximate and vitamin content of the leaves of Combretum zenkeri were carried out. The quantitative phytochemical composition shows that it contains 10.5 ± 1.31 mg/100 g saponin, 7.90 ± 0.10 mg/100 g alkaloid, 4.2 ± 0.10 mg/100 g flavonoid, 31.86 ± 2.10 mg/100 g tannin and 20.088 ± 0.91 mg/100 g cyanogenic glycosides. It contains appreciable level of crude protein, carbohydrate, crude fibre, carbohydrate, ash and crude fat. The macro and micro-minerals obtained includes; 11.477 ± 3.129 mg/100 g calcium, 0.621 ± 0.274 mg/100 g phosphorous, 0.0388 ± 0.953 mg/100 g magnesium, 0.047 ± 0.016 mg/100 g manganese, 0.0083 ± 0.06 mg/100 g iron, 0.008 ± 0.007 mg/100 g zinc, 0.275 ± 0.086 mg/100 g selenium, 17.500 ± 1.44 mg/100 g potassium and 2.000 ± 1.414 mg/100 g sodium. Ascorbic acid was 28.48 ± 0.85 mg/100 g and vitamin A, 9.51 ± 0.11 mg/100 g. This study revealed that C. zenkeri is a very good source of phytochemical, minerals, vitamins and macronutrients which, if adequately processed will not only offer medicinal and chemoprotective benefits to its users but could also serve as a good source of nutrients.

Key words: Combretum zenkeri, proximate, phytochemical, mineral and vitamin.