PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION AND SELECTED MINERAL CONCENTRATION OF THE LEAF OF ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA

Medicinal plants continue to play a vital role in global healthcare, particularly in developing countries where traditional medicine remains a primary source of treatment. Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as the ―King of Bitters,‖ is one such plant renowned for its therapeutic and nutritional benefits. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, proximate profile, mineral content, and bioactive constituents of A. paniculata leaves using ethanol and aqueous extractions. Proximate analysis showed that the leaves contained high carbohydrate (44.32%), moderate moisture (26.4%), protein (10.2%), fat (6.8%), ash (7.5%), and fibre (4.8%) contents, indicating good nutritional potential. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and reducing sugars in both extracts. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis indicated appreciable levels of essential minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, while cadmium and chromium were below detectable or permissible limits, confirming safety for use. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified oleic acid, 9-octadecanoic acid-2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, and dodecanoic acid-1,2,3-propanetriyl ester as dominant compounds in the ethanol extract, while squalene, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester, and 13-octadecenal (Z) predominated in the aqueous extract. These findings demonstrate that A. paniculata leaves contain significant nutritional and phytochemical constituents, supporting their potential use in herbal and nutraceutical formulations.