Phytochemical Screening, Proximate and Mineral Composition of Launaea taraxacifolia Leaves

Research Article

Phytochemical Screening, Proximate and Mineral Composition of Launaea taraxacifolia Leaves

M.B. Adinortey, J.K. Sarfo, E.T. Quayson, A. Weremfo, C.A. Adinortey, W. Ekloh and J. Ocran

The leaves of Launaea taraxacifolia plant have been used for centuries in Ghana as vegetables in salads and sauces and also as a remedy for various diseases such as abdominal disorders, heartburns, dyslipidaemia and liver diseases. Though the leaves are used as food in our diet, little is known about the nutrient composition. The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemical and nutrient composition of Launaea taraxacifolia leaves. Various standard methods were used in the phytochemical analysis and in proximate analysis; nitrogen content was determined by micro-Kjeldahl method. Total carbohydrate was calculated by the difference method while mineral analysis was carried out after acid digestion using spectrophotometry and flame photometry. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and steroids in the leaves. Results of proximate analysis, on dry weight basis, per 100 g of Launaea leaves showed crude protein: 26.67%±1.23, total carbohydrate: 30.56%±1.30, total ash: 21.22%±0.08, crude fat: 6.50%±0.01, crude fibre: 15.05±0.07 and pH: 6.80±0.01. The total calorific value of Launaea leaves per 100 g was 287.47±0.6 kcal (1202.78±0.6 kJ). Mineral analysis in mg/100 g showed in the Launaea leaves Cu, 1.37±0.01; Fe, 40.05±1.20; Zn, 4.95±0.02; Na,.485.00±0.14; Mn, 5.82±0.02; Mg, 408.00±0.24; Ca, 2306.56±0.15; K, 5067.30±0.13 and P, 67.89±0.02. Se and Co were not detected. The results of the study indicated that Launaea taraxacifolia leaves are potential sources of useful nutrients and could be used to fulfil the growing demands of plant-based food for Ghanaians.

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M.B. Adinortey, J.K. Sarfo, E.T. Quayson, A. Weremfo, C.A. Adinortey, W. Ekloh and J. Ocran, 2012. Phytochemical Screening, Proximate and Mineral Composition of Launaea taraxacifolia Leaves. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 6: 171-179.

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=rjmp.2012.171.179

Research Journal of Medicinal Plants

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Authors

M.B. Adinortey

J.K. Sarfo

E.T. Quayson

A. Weremfo

C.A. Adinortey

W. Ekloh

J. Ocran

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Research Article

Phytochemical Screening, Proximate and Mineral Composition of Launaea taraxacifolia Leaves

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