ASSESMENT OF MINERAL, PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF LEAF, STEM AND ROOT OF MAESOBOTRYA BARTERI (BAILL) FROM SECONDARY FOREST IN AKWA IBOM STATE.

Introduction: This study was conducted to assess the mineral element, proximate, and phytochemical contents of the leaf, stem and root of Maesobotrya barteri (Baill) grown in a secondary forest habitat of Akwa Ibom State. Methods: The dried and powdered leaf, stem and root of M. barteri were subjected to various sample preparation stages using standard laboratory procedures for determination of phytochemicals, mineral elements, and proximate composition in the test plant parts. Results: The results showed that there were marked differences (P<0.05) in the phytochemical, mineral element contents and proximate value of the leaves, stems and roots of M. barteri. Tannin was the highest phytochemical compound in the leaf, stem and root of the test plant. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins were present in moderate amount. Of all the macro elements examined, calcium and potassium had the highest values in M. barteri. Magnesium, sodium, and nitrogen contents were found in moderate proportions in leaf, stem and root of M. barteri. Similarly, the contents of micro elements showed the highest values of iron and zinc. Carbohydrate found in the leaf, stem and root of the test plant, respectively, had the highest proximate content, although, the dry matter content was also prominent in the analysis.. Conclusion: This study suggests that the phytochemical values and nutritional components of leaf, stem and root of M. barteri could be utilized as a good source of nutrient supplement, as well as source of useful pharmaceutical products.