PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF METANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF TELFERIA OCCIDENTALIS.
Abstract
This study investigated the phytochemical composition and proximate analysis of methanol leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin) consumed in Jimeta Bekaji, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Fresh leaves were collected, dried, pulverized, and extracted using methanol. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and terpenoids, while glycosides were absent. Quantitative phytochemical analysis showed the following concentrations (percentage): saponins (7.18 ± 0.02%), tannins (2.77 ± 0.10%), flavonoids (16.9 ± 0.1%), steroids (0.22 ± 0.01%), terpenoids (1.06 ± 0.01%), phenols (7.95 ± 0.013%), and alkaloids (5.51 ± 0.11%). Proximate composition analysis revealed: moisture content (10.99 ± 1.34%), crude fiber (11.56 ± 0.68%), lipid (6.46 ± 0.07%), ash (8.31 ± 0.21%), crude protein (21.14 ± 0.32%), and carbohydrates (53.10 ± 0.68%). The high flavonoid content (16.9%) indicates potent antioxidant potential, while the substantial protein and carbohydrate levels confirm the nutritional value of T. occidentalis leaves. These findings provide evidence that methanol extract of Telfairia occidentalis is a potential source of natural bioactive compounds with medicinal properties and serves as a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and energy. The presence of these phytochemicals supports the traditional use of fluted pumpkin leaves in managing various ailments including anemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress-related conditions.
Keywords: Telfairia occidentalis, fluted pumpkin, phytochemicals, proximate analysis, methanol extract, antioxidants, nutritional composition
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