Evaluation of Proximate Composition and Phytochemical analysis of Terminalia Schimperiana Root.

Abstract

The Proximate composition and phytochemical characteristics were determined for Terminalia schimperiana root. The root was collected and extracted with water and the phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard procedures. Phytochemical screening of the aqueous extract of Terminalia schimperiana root revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, Phenolics, anthocyanin and Tannins. The Proximate analysis results obtained showed the amount of crude protein, crude fat and total carbohydrates to be 6.31±0.75, 4.64±0.82 and 17.79 ±0.53 respectively of the sample while the percentage of crude fiber, ash and moisture content in the root sample were 32.72 ±0.59, 0.35±0.12 and 10.35±0.18 respectively. The present study revealed that the plant contain many nutrients and phytochemicals that may be responsible for some medicinal and aphrodisiac properties.