ESTIMATION OF THE ELEMENTAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF THE ROOTS OF LEPTADENIA PYROTECHNICA (FORSK.) DECNE

This study estimated the elemental, phytochemical, and proximate composition of the roots of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Decne, a medicinal desert plant widely used in traditional medicine. Root samples were collected from Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria, air-dried, powdered, and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Elemental composition was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), while proximate analysis was carried out following AOAC methods. Qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted using established protocols. The elemental analysis revealed high concentrations of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, moderate levels of phosphorus and nitrogen, and low concentrations of aluminium, silicon, sulphur, iron, zinc, manganese, and chlorine, while copper and cadmium were absent. Proximate analysis showed high crude fibre (50.0%) and dry matter (95.0%), moderate carbohydrate content (34.53%), and low levels of crude protein (2.97%), crude fat (6.0%), ash (1.5%), and moisture (5.0%). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids in high to moderate concentrations, while alkaloids, saponins, and steroids were fairly present. The findings suggest that the roots of Leptadenia pyrotechnica are rich in essential minerals, dietary fibre, and bioactive phytochemicals, which support its traditional use in the management of ailments such as rheumatism, joint pains, sciatica, and as an anthelmintic. Further studies are recommended to explore its pharmacological and therapeutic potentials.