Quantitative Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Mangifera indica Possible Ability to Induce Sedation and Remedy Insomnia

Abstract

Aims: The study was aimed at the Phytochemical and Proximate analysis of the flower, leaf, stem bark and seed of Mangifera indica for its ability to induce sedation. Place and Duration of Study: The fresh flower, leaf, stem bark and seed of Mangifera indica (Mango) were collected using secateurs and taken to the Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna for specific identification and authentication by an expert.  Methodology: The phytochemical analysis was carried out following the procedures described by Harbourne, (1998) while the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2000) were used for the determination of moisture and ash content, crude fiber, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and Nitrogen was determined using the micro Kjeldahl method described by (Gadelha et al., 2009). Results: A very significant percentage of protein, Flavonoid and terpenoids were detected in the plant samples especially Mangifera indica flower. Conclusion: A high presence of Flavonoid, Terpenoid and Protein in Mangifera indica plant parts is a sign of the possibility that the plant sample could contain a reasonable percentage of Apeginin, Myrcene and Tryptophan which are known active components to induce sedation and can feature in the future as a good source of sleep aid against insomnia.