Phytochemical Screening and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic Analysis of the Leaf and Stem Extracts of Amaranthus Spinosus

Abstract

This research work was carried out to determine the phytochemicals and elemental constituents present in the leaf and stem of Amaranthus spinosus. The atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis was carried out using the crushed dry plant materials while the extraction of the phytochemicals was carried out using methanol in a Soxhlet extractor. From the analysis done, the following elements were detected in the plant parts: cobalt, lead, manganese, nickel, copper, cadmium, magnesium, iron, chromium and calcium but nickel was found absent in the leaf. Some of these elements are beneficial to health. The phytochemical screening done indicated the presence of the following: alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, volatile oils, proteins, and carbohydrates.