Phytochemical and trace element analysis of Vernonia Amygdalina (bitter leaf) in different locations in Nigeria

Aim: This study was to evaluate the phytochemical and mineral elements of Vernonia amygdalina leaf grown in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo States of Nigeria.

Methods: Standard methods were used for the phytochemical screening while the elemental analysis was done by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.

Results: The results revealed high concentrations in mg/100g of the bioactive constituents; Flavonoids (2165, 2080, 2250 and 2285), Alkaloids (1955, 2450, 2610 and 2375) and Saponins (1850, 2080, 2250 and 2285) in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo states respectively. The mineral analysis indicates higher concentrations of Cl(38.47mg/100g, 42.37mg/100g, 51.23mg/100g and 47.57mg/100g) in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo states followed by Fe++ in mg/100g (6.57, 5.87, 7.23 and 7.77) in Anambra, Imo, Delta and Edo states respectively.

Conclusion: The leaf of Vernonia amygdalina contains mineral elements and phytochemicals that are nutritionally and medicinally important for human health;it also shows that those grown in Delta and Edo States are relatively richer in both their mineral and phytochemical contents than those grown in Anambra and Imo States.