Phytochemical and Phytomineral Status of Spigelia anthelmia Linn Leaves

Aims: Spigelia anthelmia is a medicinal plant used in the treatment of diverse diseases and contain plant-based natural bio-active constituents.

Study Design: Phytochemical and mineral analysis of Spigelia anthelmia leaves using standard analytical procedures.

Place and Duration of Study: Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, between May 2019 and July 2019.

Methodology: Phytochemical and phytomineral status of Spigelia anthelmia leaves were investigated using standard analytical procedures. Phytochemicals screening/analysis examined include; alkaloids, flavonoids, saponin, tannin, phenolics, cardiac glycosides, phlobatannin and terpenoids. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the minerals which are calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), while flame photometer was used in determining potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Data were presented using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation).

Results: Result indicates the presence of phytochemicals in the leaves of S. anthelmia, the quantitative analysis shows: alkaloid (2.34mg/100g), flavonoid (6.13mg/100g), saponin (18.12mg/100g), tannin (9.61mg/100g), phenol (4.61mg/100g), cardiac glycosides (1.89mg/100g), terpenoids (0.98mg/100g) and phlobatannin (0.32mg/100g). The macro elements reveals Na (0.022%), K (0.23%), Ca (0.48%), Mg (0.15%), P (0.035%), while the micro element shows that Fe (0.19%), Mn (0.003%), Cu (0.001%), Zn (0.004%).

Conclusion: The result suggests that S. anthelmia has a strong pharmacological prowess and could be used in the prevention and treatment of various health-related diseases.