PHYTOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITIONS OF RUELLIA BREVIFOLIA (CHRISTMAS PRIDE) LEAF

Abstract

Genus Ruellia are dicotyledonous plants that are primarily called Ruellias or wild petunias. Ruellia brevifolia is one of the known species of Ruellias that is used in traditional medicine. Phytochemical and nutritional compositions of Ruellia brevifolia leaf were investigated. The chemical constituents (phytochemicals, proximate and minerals) were determined using standard laboratory procedures. The proximate analysis was performed on the whole leaf while the phytochemical analysis and mineral elements contents were evaluated on the aqueous leaf extract. The proximate analysis of the plant sample revealed the percentage of moisture, crude protein, carbohydrate and ash in the descending order. The extract showed the concentrations of phenols ˃ flavonoids ˃ alkaloids ˃ glycosides ˃ saponins ˃ tannins ˃ terpenoids ˃ hydrogen cyanide and sterols as phyto constituents. The extract also revealed the concentrations of Mg ˃ Ca ˃ Na ˃ Zn ˃ Fe ˃ P ˃ Mn ˃ NO- and Cu as mineral compositions. The results show that R. brevifolia has bioactive compounds that could be pharmacologically useful in the treatment and management of various diseases. From the results, the plant leaf is also nutritionally rich and as such could be used as food or supplement for body nourishment and disease prevention or treatment. It is recommended that further research should be conducted to determine its anti-nutrient compositions and its pharmacological effects on certain disease conditions. The locals are encouraged to use R. brevifolia leaves as medicinal herbs and food supplements.