EVALUATION OF THE PROXIMATE, MINERAL AND VITAMIN COMPOSITIONS OF ACALYPHA WILKESIANA LEAF
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Abstract
Acalypha wilkesiana, commonly known as “Copper leaf” and belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, is a tropical shrub renowned for its ornamental beauty and diverse cultural uses. Its leaves are frequently utilized by locals for various medicinal purposes. This study evaluated the proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf. Proximate analysis was conducted using standard methods, while the mineral concentrations were determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and vitamins were quantified using appropriate colorimetric and titration methods. The percentage proximate composition for moisture, ash, fiber, protein, fat, and carbohydrates were 13.75±1.75, 12.75±0.75, 8.00±0.60, 3.65±0.05, 12.90±0.10, and 48.95±0.45, respectively, while the energy value was 326±1.10 kcal/g. The mineral analysis revealed that the leaf is rich in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium and zinc, with concentrations (mg/g) of 3.96±0.05, 2.89±1.79, 2.73±0.25, 1.94±0.08, 1.40±1.01, 1.31±0.42 and 0.30±0.14, respectively. The fat soluble vitamins ranged from 4.12±0.26 (for vitamin D) ¬¬to 17.28±1.00 mg/kg (for vitamin E), while the water soluble vitamins ranged from 0.05±0.02 mg/100g (for vitamin B2) to 69.61±1.77 mg/kg (for vitamin C). The results show that Acalypha wilkesiana leaf is a good source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, and could serve as a dietary supplement for addressing nutritional deficiencies.
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Nwolisah, O. S., Enemor, V. H. A., Odili, C. E., Ehichanya, C. A., Obih, M. S., & Okochi, C. V. (2024). EVALUATION OF THE PROXIMATE, MINERAL AND VITAMIN COMPOSITIONS OF ACALYPHA WILKESIANA LEAF. The Bioscientist Journal, 12(1), 87-97. https://doi.org/10.54117/the_bioscientist.v12i1.168
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
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Al-Attar, A.M. (2010). Physiological Study on the Effect of Acalypha wilkesiana Leaf Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Experimental Diabetes in Male Mice. American Medical Journal, 1:151-158.
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Callaghan, A.V., Tierney, M., Phelps, C.D. and Young, L.Y. (2009). Anaerobic Biodegradation of n-Hexadecane by a Nitrate-Reducing Consortium. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 75(5): 1339-1344.
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Idris, O.A., Wintola, O.A. and Afolayan, A.J. (2019). Comparison of the Proximate Composition, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, α-Tocopherol and Retinol), Anti-Nutrients (Phytate and Oxalate) and the GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil of the Root and Leaf of Rumex crispus L. Plants, 8:51.
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Iyamu, A.O., Akpamu, U. and Iyamu, K.U. (2021). Phytochemical Evaluation and Acute Toxicity Study of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana. Journal of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, 2(8):715-720.
Kirk, S. and Sawyer, R. (1991). Pearsons Food Composition and Analysis of Food (4th Edition). Macmillan Publisher Company, United Kingdom.
Lukaski, H.C. (2004). Vitamin and Mineral Status: Effect on Physical Performance. Nutrition, 20:632-644.
Mina, M., Rahim, T.M.A., Haque, N. and Khan, S.H. (2016). Proximate and Water Soluble Vitamin Contents in Some Selected Bangladeshi Fruits and Vegetables. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 11(6):1-8.
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Okonwu, K. and Ahunanya, V.C. (2020). Assessment and Quantification of Some Bioactive Components and Minerals in the Leaves and Roots of Two Acalypha Species. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry, 33(2): 241-250.
Omage, K., Azeke, A.M., Ihimire, I.I. and Idagan, A.M. (2013). Phytochemical, proximate and elemental analysis of Acalyha wilkesiana leaves. Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2(9):323-331.
Osibote, A.E., Nwafor, P.S. and Iluobe, H.O. (2020). Chemical and Phytochemical Analyses of Extracts from the Leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana, “an Herbal Plant Used for the Treatment of Various Skin Disorders”. Annals of Science and Technology, 5(2): 40-48
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Rosenberg, H.R. (1992). Chemistry and Physiology of the Vitamins. InterSciencePublishers, 37–95.
Sagun, V., Levin, G. and Van Welzen, P. (2010). Revision and Phylogeny of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae) in Malesia. Blumea-Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants, 55:21-60
Sodomade, A., Ayankoso, A.S., Odoje, O.F and Owonikoko, A.D. (2021). Nutritive Evaluation, Mineral Compositition and Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Protein Concentrates of Bitter Gourd (Mormodica charantia). European Journal of Material Science, 8(2): 29-40.
Touger-Decker, R. and Loveren, C.V. (2003). Sugars and Dental Caries. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(4): 881S-892S.
Uyoh, E.A., Ita, E.E. and Nwofia, G.E. (2013). Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Tetrapleura tetrapetra (Schum and Thonn.) Tuab. Accessions from Cross River State, Nigeria. International Journal of Medical Aromatic Plants, 3: 386-394.
Yerima, B.I. and Adamu, H.M. (2011). “Proximate Chemical Analysis of Nutrive Contents of Jujube (Ziziphus mauritania) Seeds.” International Journal of the Physical Sciences, 36: 8079-8082
Adesina, S.K., Oguntimehin, B.J. and Akinwusi, D.D. (1980). Phytochemical and Biological Examination of the Leaf of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. Quarterly Journal of Crude Drug Research, 18: 45-48.
Agu, S.I. (1980). Phytochemical Studies on the Volatile Products of some Nigerian Medicinal Plants in Treatment of Diseases. Master of Philosophy Thesis, University of Ife, Nigeria.
Akinde, B.E. (1986). Phytochemicals and Microbiological Evaluation of the Oils from the Leaf of Acalypha wilkesiana. In: Sofowora A. Editor. The State of Medicinal Plant Research in Nigeria. University of Ibadan Press Nigeria, 362-363.
Akinloye, D.I., Osatuyi, O.A., Musibau, O.G., Yusuf, A.A. and Adewuyi, S. (2016). In Vitro Antioxidant Activities, Elemental Analysis and Some Bioactive Constituents of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell Arg and Acalypha wilkesian a Java White Leaf Extracts. Journal of Chemical Society of Nigeria, 41(2):150-157.
Alade, P.I. and Irobi, O.N. (1993). Antimicrobial Activities of Crude Leaf Extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 39:171-174.
Al-Attar, A.M. (2010). Physiological Study on the Effect of Acalypha wilkesiana Leaf Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Experimental Diabetes in Male Mice. American Medical Journal, 1:151-158.
American Public Health Association (APHA) (1995). “Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.” 19th Edition, American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and Environment Federation Washington DC, USA, 4-91.
Antia, B.S., Akpan, E.J., Okon, P.A. and Umoren, I.U. (2006). Nutritive and Anti-nutritive Evaluation of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) leaves. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 166-168.
AOAC (1990). Official Methods of Analysis of Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 15th edition; AOAC: Arlington, Virginia, USA.
AOAC (2004). Official Methods of Analysis, Association of Official Analytical Chemists. (22nd Edition), Washington DC. 2217-2280.
Button, K.C. (2004). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Penguin Putnam, 4(5):478-479.
Callaghan, A.V., Tierney, M., Phelps, C.D. and Young, L.Y. (2009). Anaerobic Biodegradation of n-Hexadecane by a Nitrate-Reducing Consortium. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 75(5): 1339-1344.
Chaney, S.G. (2006). Principles of Nutrient 1: Macronutrients. In: T. M Devlin (ed.) Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlation, 6th edition. Wiley, New York, pp1071-1090.
Christman, S. (2004). Acalypha wilkesiana. Floridata.com LC, Florida.
Datta, S., Sinha, B.K., Bhattacharjee, S. and Seal, T. (2019). Nutritional Composition, Mineral Content, Antioxidant Activity and Quantitative Estimation of Water Soluble Vitamins and Phenolics by RP-HPLC in Some Lesser Used Wild Edible Plants. Heliyon, 5(3): e01431.
Dillard, C.J. and German, J.B. (2000). Phytochemicals: Nutraceuticals and Human Health. Journal of Science, Food and Agriculture, 89(12):1744-1756.
Ghosh, A., Nagpal, B., Kumar, V. and Nayan, K. (2016). Role of Minerals and Trace Elements in Oral Health- A Review. Journal of Oral and Dental Health, 2:1-2.
Gropper, S.S., Smith, J.L. and Groff, J.L. (2009). Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. Wadsworth Cengage Publishers, 5th Edition. Australia, Belmont, CA.
Hammond, S.T., Brown, J.H., Burger, J.R., Flanagan, T.P., Fristoe, T.S., Mercardo-Silva, N., Nekola, J.C. and Okie, J.G. (2015). Food Spoilage, Storage, and Transport: Implications for a Sustainable Future. Bioscience, 65, 758-768.
Harris, H.H., Vogt, S., Eastgate, H. and Lay, P.A. (2008). A Link between Copper and Dental Caries in Human Teeth Identified by X-ray fluorescence Elemental Mapping. Journal of Biology and Inorganic Chemistry, 2: 303-306.
Idris, O.A., Wintola, O.A. and Afolayan, A.J. (2019). Comparison of the Proximate Composition, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, α-Tocopherol and Retinol), Anti-Nutrients (Phytate and Oxalate) and the GC-MS Analysis of the Essential Oil of the Root and Leaf of Rumex crispus L. Plants, 8:51.
Ikewuchi, J.C., Anyadiegwu, A., Ugono, E.Y. and Okungbowa, S.O. (2008). Effect of Acalypha wilkesiana Muell. Arg. on Plasma Sodium and Potassium Concentration of Normal Rabbits. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 7(1): 130-132.
Iyamu, A.O., Akpamu, U. and Iyamu, K.U. (2021). Phytochemical Evaluation and Acute Toxicity Study of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Acalypha wilkesiana. Journal of Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences, 2(8):715-720.
Kirk, S. and Sawyer, R. (1991). Pearsons Food Composition and Analysis of Food (4th Edition). Macmillan Publisher Company, United Kingdom.
Lukaski, H.C. (2004). Vitamin and Mineral Status: Effect on Physical Performance. Nutrition, 20:632-644.
Mina, M., Rahim, T.M.A., Haque, N. and Khan, S.H. (2016). Proximate and Water Soluble Vitamin Contents in Some Selected Bangladeshi Fruits and Vegetables. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 11(6):1-8.
Ogundaini, A.O. (2005). From Greens into Medicine. Taking a lead from Nature. An Inaugural Lecture Delivered at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Inaugural Lecture Series 176. O.A.U. Press Limited, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. 12 – 15.
Okonwu, K. and Ahunanya, V.C. (2020). Assessment and Quantification of Some Bioactive Components and Minerals in the Leaves and Roots of Two Acalypha Species. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry, 33(2): 241-250.
Omage, K., Azeke, A.M., Ihimire, I.I. and Idagan, A.M. (2013). Phytochemical, proximate and elemental analysis of Acalyha wilkesiana leaves. Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2(9):323-331.
Osibote, A.E., Nwafor, P.S. and Iluobe, H.O. (2020). Chemical and Phytochemical Analyses of Extracts from the Leaves of Acalypha wilkesiana, “an Herbal Plant Used for the Treatment of Various Skin Disorders”. Annals of Science and Technology, 5(2): 40-48
Robert, K.M., Daryl, K.G., Peter, A.M. and Victor, W.R. (2003). Harper’s Illustrated Biochemistry. In Benders and Mayes Vitamins and Minerals. Lange Medical Books/ McGrawHill, Medical Publishing Divison, New-York.
Rosenberg, H.R. (1992). Chemistry and Physiology of the Vitamins. InterSciencePublishers, 37–95.
Sagun, V., Levin, G. and Van Welzen, P. (2010). Revision and Phylogeny of Acalypha (Euphorbiaceae) in Malesia. Blumea-Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants, 55:21-60
Sodomade, A., Ayankoso, A.S., Odoje, O.F and Owonikoko, A.D. (2021). Nutritive Evaluation, Mineral Compositition and Phytochemical Analysis of Leaf Protein Concentrates of Bitter Gourd (Mormodica charantia). European Journal of Material Science, 8(2): 29-40.
Touger-Decker, R. and Loveren, C.V. (2003). Sugars and Dental Caries. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 78(4): 881S-892S.
Uyoh, E.A., Ita, E.E. and Nwofia, G.E. (2013). Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Tetrapleura tetrapetra (Schum and Thonn.) Tuab. Accessions from Cross River State, Nigeria. International Journal of Medical Aromatic Plants, 3: 386-394.
Yerima, B.I. and Adamu, H.M. (2011). “Proximate Chemical Analysis of Nutrive Contents of Jujube (Ziziphus mauritania) Seeds.” International Journal of the Physical Sciences, 36: 8079-8082