Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral elements Composition of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf) grown in Ekosodin, Benin City, Nigeria
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Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative determination of chemical and nutritive composition of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (lemongrass) a medicinal plant in Nigeria was carried out using standard methods namely: proximate analysis, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and complexometric titration. The leaves were found to be rich in crude protein (15.86%). Other findings were ash value (9.40%), crude lipid content (6.90%) crude fibre content (1.00%) carbohydrate content (66.54%) and moisture content (72.95%). Biomineral analysis revealed that the grass is a good source of biominerals and this order of concentration was observed: Calcium > Potassium > Magnesium > Phosphorus > Sodium > Iron > Copper. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides while anthraquinones and cyanogenic glycosides were below detectable levels. These results support the medicinal and pharmacological activities shown by the plant and unveil the possibility of its use as a source of nutrients for man and livestock.
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