Phytochemical, Nutritive And Mineral Screening Of Pterocarpus Species

ABSTRACT

The Photochemical Composition, Mineral And Nutritive Content Of Leaves Of Pterocarpus Species Were Determined. The Species Investigated Were Pterocarpus Osun, P. Soya Uxii, P. Santaiinoides And P. Miidbraedii. Both The Old Leaves And The Freshly Expanded Leaves Were Analysed. The Result Revealed The Presence Of The Following Phytochemicals Comprising: Tannins (0.18 — O.21)Mg/Ml, Phenols (0.025 — 1.01o)Mg/Ml, Saponins (0.110 -. 0.230)Mg/Ml And Flavonoids (0.020 — 0.240)Mg/Ml. Alkaloids Were Present Only In P. Santa/Mo/Des (0.006 — 0.050)Mg/Ml And P. Mildbraedii.. On The Average, The Plants Contained Crude Proteins, (14.88 — 25.38)%, Crude Fiber (8.28 — 14.26)%, Carbohydrate (40.36 — 63.46)%, Crude Lipid (5.06 — 12.52)%, Ash (4.48 — 8.88)%, And Food Energy (351.12 — 395.6)G/Cal. The Plants' Leaves Were Good Sources Of Mineral Such As; Ca, Mg, K, P, Na & N. These Substances May Be Responsible For The Health Related Properties Of The Plants And Their Uses In Herbal Medicine.