Trace Elements and Major Minerals Evaluation of Spondias mombin, Vernonia amygdalina and Momordica charantia Leaves

Abstract

Samples of the plants were collected in Oyo state at Igbo-agbonin in the Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, Sabo road, Ogbomoso and were analyzed for the presence of trace elements such as; Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The results showed that trace element concentrations in Spondias mombin (Hog plum) were as follow: Fe, 574.00mg/kg, Zn, 59.60mg/kg, Mn, 23.00mg/kg, Cr, 66.00mg/kg Cu, 13.00mg/kg, Cd 50.00mg/kg. The mineral composition results showed that the leaves contained K 1.20%, Ca 1.05% and P, 0.32% Na 1.80%. Results of trace elements concentration in Vernonia amygdalina leaves were as follow: Fe, 277.30mg/kg, Zn, 74.50 mg/kg, Mn, 227.00mg/kg, Cr, 89.00mg/kg Cu, 11.00mg/kg and Cd, 4.30mg/kg. The mineral analysis revealed in the plant leaves, K 0.51%, Na 0.57%, Ca 0.45%, P 0.23%. Result of trace elements concentration in Momordica charantia were as follow: Fe, 8.125mg/kg, Zn, 354.8mg/kg, Mn, 37.00mg/kg, Cr, 162.00mg/kg, Cu, 21.00mg/kg, Cd, 51.40mg/kg and Pb 48.00mg/kg. the mineral analysis revealed in the plant, K 0.81%, Na 0.93%, Ca 0.90%, P 0.81%. The results obtained from the study show that the three plants are medicinal, Spondias mombin and Vernonia amygdalina are good antianaemic and antidiabetics agents, because of the high contents of Iron and chromium present in them.