PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITIONS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF UGU LEAVES (TelfairiaOccidentlis)

Abstract

This study on the phytochemical and proximate compositions of Telfairia occidentlis (Ugu leaf) aims to assess the phytochemical and proximate composition of one of the commonly used vegetables in Nigeria known as pumpkin leaf (Ugu leaf – Telfairia occidentlis), using standard analytical procedures. Phytochemical screening of methanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate was employed in the maceration extraction process, and results revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, carbohydrates, and anthracene. The phytochemical makeup of these therapeutic plants showed that they contain a significant number of secondary metabolites. Among these are flavonoids (62.5%), alkaloids (5%), cardiac glycosides (14%), and saponins (1%). The proximate analysis of the sample revealed moisture content (61.3%), ash content (10.6%), crude protein (9.59%), crude fibre content (6.3%), crude lipid (2.91%), and carbohydrate (9.30%). We may conclude that T. occidentlis (Ugu leaf) is not just any other vegetable but contains various nutrients and bioactive secondary metabolites that can be utilized by individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare industry for the treatment of diseases, ailments, and prolonging life.