Proximate composition, phytochemical screening and elemental analysis of mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis) leaves

Abstract

There seem to be little or no literature about the nutritional composition of the widely used Mistletoe (Tapinanthus bangwensis) leaves, a hemi- parasitic ever green plant that has been used traditionally in Nigeria and other parts of Africa as antihypertensive and antidiabetic agents. Biochemical studies with a view to assess the nutritional potentials of Tapinanthus bangwensis leaves were carried out by evaluating the proximate composition,
phytochemical constituents and mineral elements of the plant. Proximate composition of the leaves showed that it contained moisture (59.34%), crude fat (1.74%), crude protein (15.32%), crude fibre (12.33%), ash (6.00%) and
carbohydrate (64.25%). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides. Elemental analysis of the leaves (mg/100g dry matter,DM) indicates that Tapinanthus bangwensis
contained appreciable levels of Ca (3100mg/100g), K (3450mg/100g), Na (5260mg/100g), P (960mg/100g), Mg (40mg/100g), Fe (1080mg/100g) and Zn (80mg/100g) respectively. There were no significant values detected for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The results of the present research reveal that the leaves of Tapinanthus bangwensis contain phytochemicals and mineral elements that may be responsible for their possible therapeutic uses.