Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Quantification Assessment of Cymbopopgon citratus Leaf

Abstract

The leaf-extract of Cymbopogon citratus was evaluated for nutritional and anti-nutritional compositions. The results revealed that the plant leaves contained appreciable amounts of phytochemicals (alkaloids, glucosides, phenols, saponins, flavonoids and tannins), proximate compositions (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, crude fibre, ash and moisture), vitamins (A, C, E, B1, B2 and B9) and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Na, K, Ca and Co) in varying degrees. These chemical compositions obtained may be responsible for the nutritional and therapeutic uses. The proximate, vitamin and mineral compositions obtained suggested that the leaves may serve as cheap sources of vitamin A, C, E, B1, B2 and B9 as well as other macro- and micro-nutrients, and could be incorporated into human diets to meet-up with their recommended daily dietary allowances. The content of flavonoids, vitamin A, C and E in the leaf extract also suggests possible anti-oxidant effects of the plant leaves.