Phytochemical, Proximate, Minerals And Vitamins Of Costusafer:- Ikenna, Chika C

ABSTRACT xi Medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities. The medicinal value of these plants lies in some chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action on the human body. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical, proximate, vitamins and mineral constituents of Costus afer. Fresh stem of the plant of costus afer collected from Ariam Umuahia in Abia State, it was peeled and grinded. From the extract, the phytochemical, proximate, vitamin and mineral were determined. Results from analysis of data showed Costus afer possess a Significant (P<0.05) mineral content of(Ca, mg, P, K, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) with a higher value of potassium and a lower value of copper, significant proximate component (Moisture content, Crude Protein, Crude fibre, Fat, Ash and Carbohydrate), a significant (P<0.05) photochemical (Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannin, Saponin, phytosterol, Crude glycoside and Oxalate) Costus afer possess a higher Alkaloids and a lower Oxalate, a significant (P<0.05) amount of Vitamins (A, Bi, B2, B3, C and E) with a higher value of vitamin A and a lower value of vitamin Bi and E. In conclusion phytochemical analysis indicated a significant amount of flavonoids and phytosterol and so can be effective in the treatment of inflammations, also presence of these minerals may account for the ethnomedical use of Costus afer in the treatment and management ofinflammatory diseases.