Evaluation of phytochemical, proximate and mineral element composition of stem of Costus afer (Bush cane)

The Phytochemical, proximate and mineral element composition of the stem of Costus afer were investigated. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and steroids. The proximate composition indicated the following; moisture (33.6 %), crude fat (2.48 %), crude protein (14.02 %), carbohydrate (20.14 %), crude fiber (15.55 %), and ash (14.21 %). Mineral element determination (in mg/100 g) showed the presence of potassium (88.00), sodium (1.94), calcium (200.40), magnesium (191.39), and phosphorus (6.02). The anti-nutrients evaluated (in mg/100 g) were total oxalate (314.00), soluble oxalate (200.44), cyanide (24.40) and tannins (7.92). The presence of these phytochemicals in this plant, coupled with its low toxicity level obtained lends credence to the numerous beneficial roles of this plant in agriculture and folk medicine.

Author(s): Ukana D. Akpabio, Uwemedimo E. Udo and Aniekan E. Akpakpan

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