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Author(s): Okeke Clement U., Okeke Philomena N., Iroka Finian C., Orji May E..

Volume/Issue: Volume 4 , Issue 4 (2021)

Abstract:

Phytochemical and proximate analysis was carried out on the seed, leaf, stem bark, stem, root bark and root of Afzelia Africana plant. This analysis revealed that phytochemical constituents were mostly predominant in the leaf and lower in other parts of the plant. Steroid was high in the root (0.49±0.01) and lower in the stem (0.04±0.01). Phytate content was high in the seed (0.40±0.03) and lower in the stem. Carbohydrate, protein, fats, ash and moisture content were high in the seed. Fibre was high in the stem (61.1±0.23) and lower in the seed (3.61±0.06). Vit. C (ascorbic acid) was the highest vitamin component in all the plant parts with leaf being the highest (12.69±1.02) and root having the lowest (2.64±1.24). The stem has the lowest content of Vit. A, Vit. B2, and Vit. B3. The seed has the highest calcium content (188.80±5.54) while the leaf has the lowest (28.84±0.25). Stem bark has the highest magnesium content (10.08±0.94) and lowest in the root (4.96±0.14). Potassium and phosphorus were high in the leaf (368.67±3.06) and low in the stem. Sodium was high in the seed (11.63±0.40) and lower in the root (5.23±0.23). This study shows that the seed of Afzelia africana has the highest biochemical content and could serve as a good food supplement for man and livestock. The presence of phytate is known to induce mineral-related deficiency, its consumption also provides protection against a variety of cancers via its antioxidant properties.

Keywords:

Phytochemical, Mineral, Vitamin, Afzelia africana, seed, leaf, stem bark, stem, root bark and root

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