ABSTRACT
The proximate, elemental and phytochemical
compositions of the leaves of Pterocarpus
soyauxii (Oha) were studied. The
results obtained for the proximate composition showed the following: moisture
content (17.2%), ash content (5.7%), crude fibre (17.2%), crude protein (29.5%),
crude fat (4.15%) and carbohydrates (25.95%). The results of the mineral (elemental)
analysis in mg/L showed the following to be present in the leaves: Ca (4.04),
Cu (0.20), Zn (1.39), Mg (41.0), K (0.31), Mn (0.17), Na (32.0) and Fe (0.60)
with Pb and Cr absent. The leaves also contained vitamin A (0.2044 mg/g) and
vitamin C (0.4470 mg/g). The phytochemical analysis of different solvent
extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides and tannins.
Flavonoids, phenols and steroids were absent. These findings showed that the leaves of Pterocarpus
soyauxii are good sources of
beneficial micronutrients, mineral elements and secondary metabolites which are
required for healthy growth, justifying
the use of the leaves for the popular “Oha” soup of the Igbos of South East
Nigeria.