Abstract

Rachael Gbekele-Oluwa Ayo

The aim of the study was to determine proximate and elemental compositions of the leaves and stem bark of Cassia nigricans Vahl, used in phytomedicine. The result of the proximate composition showed that the leaves contained higher values of crude proteins, crude lipids, carbohydrates and energy than the stem bark. The stem bark was richer in crude fibre, ash and moisture than the leaves. The concentrations of potassium and sodium were greater in the leaves than in the stem bark, while those of calcium and magnesium were higher in the stem bark than in the leaves. The concentrations of the microelements in the leaves of C. nigricans in μg/g were in the order of: Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd, while those of stem bark were in the order of: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd > Cu. In conclusion, the leaves and stem bark of C. nigricans contain nutrients and mineral elements that are of high nutritional value. The leaves are richer in mineral elements than the stem bark.