Phytochemical and chemical composition of Combretum zenkeri leaves

Studies on the phytochemical, mineral, proximate and vitamin content of the leaves of Combretum zenkeri were carried out. The quantitative phytochemical composition shows that it contains 10.5 ± 1.31 mg/100 g saponin, 7.90 ± 0.10 mg/100 g alkaloid, 4.2 ± 0.10 mg/100 g flavonoid, 31.86 ± 2.10 mg/100 g tannin and 20.088 ± 0.91 mg/100 g cyanogenic glycosides. It contains appreciable level of crude protein, carbohydrate, crude fibre, carbohydrate, ash and crude fat. The macro and micro-minerals obtained includes; 11.477 ± 3.129 mg/100 g calcium, 0.621 ± 0.274 mg/100 g phosphorous, 0.0388 ± 0.953 mg/100 g magnesium, 0.047 ± 0.016 mg/100 g manganese, 0.0083 ± 0.06 mg/100 g iron, 0.008 ± 0.007 mg/100 g zinc, 0.275 ± 0.086 mg/100 g selenium, 17.500 ± 1.44 mg/100 g potassium and 2.000 ± 1.414 mg/100 g sodium. Ascorbic acid was 28.48 ± 0.85 mg/100 g and vitamin A, 9.51 ± 0.11 mg/100 g. This study revealed that C. zenkeri is a very good source of phytochemical, minerals, vitamins and macronutrients which, if adequately processed will not only offer medicinal and chemoprotective benefits to its users but could also serve as a good source of nutrients.