Abstract

Fractions of hot water extract of Asteracantha longifolia Nees leaf and aerial parts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative screening of different phytochemicals and for quantitative determination of different micro and macro elements. Dried leaf powder was analyzed for proximate composition and quantitative determination of different micro and macro elements. Proximate composition of the leaf revealed 14.212±0.375% of ash, 18.413±0.258% of protein, 3.401±0.081% of ether extract and 41.205±0.573% of fiber. Qualitative phytochemical screening of fractions of hot water extract of leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids in all the fractions in addition to presence of proteins containing aromatic amino acids in aqueous fraction. Total phenolic compounds and total antioxidants in all the three fractions were in the range of 0.094 to 0.14 mg of gallic acid equivalent mg^-1 extract and 40.95 to 317.5 µM of ascorbic acid equivalent mg^-1 extract, respectively. Relatively low concentration of total antioxidant was found in residual fraction. Flavonoid concentrations were found in the range of 0.17±0.03 to 3.17±0.04 mg of quercetin equivalent g^-1 extract, highest being the aqueous fraction and lowest the residual fraction. The residual fraction was found to contain a higher concentration of iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and phosphorus (P). The level of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) were higher in methanolic fraction and hot water extract, respectively. The incorporation of A. longifolia can be a potential source of antioxidant, macro and micro minerals for manufacturing nutraceutical and improving livestock feed.

Key words: Qualitative, quantitative, phytochemical screening, mineral, antioxidant, phenolics.