Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF PIPER METHYSTICUM LEAEVES

*Uzomba N. I., Ajah Obinna and Amaralam E.C.

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to determine the proximate, phytochemical and mineral values of piper methysticum grown in Enugu state. Standard methods of analysis were used. The result of the proximate composition showed the following: moisture (36.80%), protein (0.03%), crude ash (30.05%), crude fibre (28.60%), crude fat (3.35%) and crude carbohydrate (1.27%). The result of the phytochemical screening (qualitative) revealed the presence of terpenoid, flavonoid, tannin, cardiac glycoside and alkaloid, with the exception of saponin. The mineral content were phosphorus (0.541%), potassium (2.755%), sodium (0.103%), magnesium (0.486%), calcium (1.455%), Iron (58.375mg/100g), Zinc (10.025mg/100g). The findings in this study indicate that piper methysticum could serve as a source of nutrients for human consumption.

Keywords: Phytochemicals, Nutritional Composition, Piper methysticum.