CHEMICAL PROFILES OF LEAF, STEM AND FLOWER OF THEVETIA PERUVIANA (PERS.) K. SCHUM
*U. A. Essiett and I. S. Udofa
ABSTRACT
Thevetia peruviana (Pers.) K. Schum belong to the family
Apocynaceae. The leaves, stems and flowers of T. peruviana were
investigated for phytoconstituents, quantitative evaluation, nutritional
values and antinutrient. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence
of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones.
Flavonoids and terpenes were found to be present in leaves and stems
but not detected in flowers of T. peruviana. However, phlobatannins
was completely absent in the three parts. Quantitative evaluation shows moistures content
(7.9%, 9.3% and 18%), total ash (6%, 9% and 4.7%), sulphated ash (0.5%, 0.8% and 0.2%)
and acid insoluble (0.1%, 0.5% and 0.5%) respectively for the leaves, stems and flowers of T.
peruviana. Nutritional analysis revealed protein content (8.10%, 4.21% and 1.2%), fat
content (22%, 8% and 43%), crude fibre (10%, 12% and 2%, and carbohydrate content
(55.9%, 66.8% and 49.1%). Anti-nutrient revealed hydrogen cyanide (0.011%, 0.201% and
0.301%), soluble oxalate (40%, 30% and 35%, total oxalate (10.00%, 5.00% and 7.00%) and
tannins acid (1. 21%, 0.9% and 1.50%) respectively for the leaves, stems and flowers of T.
peruviana. The results of the present study further confirm the use of T. peruviana leaves,
stems and flowers traditionally for the treatment of different ailments.
Keywords: Thevetia peruviana, chemical profile, leaves, stems, flowers, phytoconstituents.
[Full Text Article]
[Download Certificate]
Impact Factor : 8.181 
