Comparative phytochemical screening of kenaf and jute leaves

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the comparative phytochemical composition of kenaf and jute leaves. The leaves were harvested at maturity, washed, dried, ground to powder and subsequently subjected to quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening according to the standard protocols. The results showed that jute leaf contained significantly higher saponin, tannin and glycoside than kenaf leaf. Similarly, jute leaf recorded higher level (25.00mg/100g) of flavonoid than kenaf leaf (20.00mg/100g). In contrast, kenaf leaf recorded slightly higher level of steroid (0.002%), and alkaloid (0.28%) when compared with jute leaf with 0.001% for steroid and 0.25% for alkaloid. Kenaf leaf contained 569.55mg/100gcarotenoidwhile jute leaf had 546.70mg/100g carotenoid. These leaves appeared to be rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants which are good either for human nutrition or medicinal purpose. Screening for the best extraction-solvent showed that water extracted most phytochemicals in both kenaf and jute leaves. Ideally, lipophilic phytochemicals are extracted with protic solvents while hydrophilic phytochemicals efficiently extracted with distilled water in order to retain their physico-chemical properties.