Evaluation Of The Phytochemicals, Proximate, Mineral And Vitamin Composition Of Amaranthus Viridis:- Akpa Joshua

ABSTRACT Amaranthusviridisis a popular plant used in traditional medicine for several purposes. It is widely employed for the treatment of inflammatory diseases an fever. This study evaluated the phytochemical, proximate, vitamins and mineral composition ofmethanol extract ofthe leaves of Amarantusviridis using standard methods. The results revealed that the leaves of the plant - • contain several nutrients, phytochemicals, minerals and vitamins. The methanol leaves extract of the plant contains alkaloids, phenols,' flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids and hydrogen cyanide. The proximate analysis of the plant revealed that it contained large amount of carbohydrate (50.33+0.08). The leaves also contained low quantities of protein, fats and ash, with a moderate amount of moisture and fibre. Vitamin A was the most abundant vitamin hi the leaves, followed by vitamin C. weThe B vitamins (Bl, B2 and B3) were in moderate quantities. The mineral content analysis of the leaves showed that phosphorus was the most abundant mineral in the leaves having a value of (422.49+05), followed closely by potassium which had a ‘ value of(267.03+04). Calcium, magnesium and sodium were also present but in moderate quantities. The results of the study suggested that the numerous pharmacological effects attributed to Amaranthusviridismay be as a result of the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals, nutrients, vitamins and minerals in the leaves.