Determination of proximate, vitamins and selected mineral contents of Acanthus montanus leaves

Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) is a shrub widespread in Africa, the Balkans, Romania, Greece, and Eastern Mediterranean. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family. The importance of herbal plants is not just for their medicinal effects but also their nutritional value. This study determined the proximate, vitamin, and mineral compositions of Acanthus montanus leaves using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).The leaves were collected from Amaenyi in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. They were identified, washed, air dried and pulverized into smaller particles. The proximate, selected minerals and vitamins were evaluated using standard biochemical methods. The result revealed that Acanthus montanus leaves have moisture (7.217%), ash (12.874%), crude fat (2.837%), crude fibre (11.872%), crude protein (10.150%), carbohydrate (55.050%). On the vitamins, vitamins A, E, B2, D, C and B6 were 56.600mg/kg, 48.647mg/kg, 0.241mg/kg 5.911mg/kg, 30.750mg/kg and 0.245mg/kg respectively. Acanthus montanus leaves contain reasonable amounts of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The result of this analysis shows that Acanthus montanus leaves are nutritious and can contribute significantly to human health requirements and animal feeds. It also shows that the plant is worthy of being exploited in field of nutraceuticals. They could be a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre for the development of the body. Therefore, Acanthus montanus leaves will make a good nutrient source for the ever-growing human population.