Abstract
Objective: Evaluation of Spondias mombin leaves for photochemical, vitamins and minerals constituents.
Methods: phytochemical analysis was carried out by method of Sofowora(1993),quantitative identification of tannins Bungard(1998),test for saponins by method of scott(2000),cyanogenic glycoside by alkaline colourimeter method.
Results:Phytochemical screening and subsequent quantification using standard methods revealed the presence of bioactive compounds saponins (4.80%), alkaloids (18.32%), flavonoids (12.84%), tannins (1.24mg/100ml) and phenol (0.53mg/100ml), Vitamin results showed the plant leaves contained ascorbic acid 18.75mg100-1g; Niacin 2.75mg100-1g. Riboflavin 0.35 mg100-1g and Thiamine 0.06 mg100-1g. Mineral analysis revealed in the plant leaves, K 2.66%, Mg 0.455%, Na 0.100%, Ca, 1.410% and
P, 0.300%. in leaves and the fruit showed the presence saponins (4.80%), alkaloids (9.0%), flavonoids (2.84%), tannins (1.24mg/100ml) and phenol (0.08mg/100ml). The results showed that the leaves and fruits are rich in nutrients, especially carbohydrate.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that S. mombin leaves are a potential source of highly nutritious feed stuff and useful drug formulation. They are of nutritional, clinical and veterinary relevance considering the diverse ethno pharmacological uses of the plant in different parts of the world.
