Background: Pterocarpus mildbraedii is used in some Nigerian tribes in the treatment of headaches, pains, fever, convulsions, and respiratory disorders. This study was carried out to ascertain the phytochemicals, minerals and in vitro antioxidant activities of Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures while Mineral analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Also, antioxidant activities of Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves were evaluated using reducing power ability and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. Results: Result on phytochemicals reveals the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins. Mineral analysis showed calcium (1283mg/kg) to be higher in concentration and manganese (4mg/kg) least in concentration (4mg/kg). Other analysed minerals include sodium (603mg/kg), potassium (1048mg/kg), magnesium (778mg/kg), zinc (25mg/kg), iron (146mg/kg), phosphates (1002mg/kg), etc. In vitro antioxidant activity results show that Pterocarpus mildbraedii possess potent but dose-dependent reducing power ability and free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Conclusion:The presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids and tannins in Pterocarpus mildbraedii provides some biochemical basis for the ethno pharmacological uses of the plant. Also the information provided in this research study may help to spread the ethno botanical uses of Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves to other parts of the World. The findings clearly demonstrate that Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves have promising antioxidant property and needs further evaluation to exploit its therapeutic potential.

Background: The aim of this study is to determine phytochemicals and mineral composition as well as in vitro antioxidant activities of Solanum macrocarpon leaves. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures while Mineral analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Solanum macrocarpon leaves were also subjected for measurement of reducing power and antioxidant/radical scavenging activity (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity). Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids etc. Mineral analysis showed calcium (256.60mg/100g) to be higher in concentration and copper (0.62mg/100g) least in concentration while manganese was absent. Other minerals includes magnesium (81.69mg/100g), potassium (87.22mg/100g), sodium (32.51mg/100g), iron (31.41mg/100g), zinc (1.41mg/100g). Solanum macrocarpon leaves showed maximum antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical scavenging and reducing power capacity) as the higher the concentration, the higher the antioxidant activity, thus the better the free radical scavenging potentials. Conclusion:The data from this study revealed that Solanum macrocarpon has a rich content of phytochemicals, namely, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids as well as minerals, bioactive components that are associated with health impacts. This study also revealed that Solanum macrocarpon leaves exhibit antioxidant activity. These findings thus suggest that Solanum macrocarpon leaves could act as potent source of antioxidants.

Background study: Gongronema latifolium is primarily used as spice and vegetable as well as a herb in traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria, diabetes and hypertension. This study is aimed at providing in vitro laboratory knowledge on Gongronema latifolium leaves. Methods: Minerals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer while phyto-nutrients were screened using standard laboratory procedures. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-radical scavenging and reducing power activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Results: Results showed that Gongronema latifolium leaves contains flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids etc as well as minerals such as calcium (333.40mg/100g), magnesium (38.90mg/100g), potassium (83.69mg/100g), sodium (31.02mg/100g), phosphate (51.13mg/100g), iron (4.88mg/100g), zinc (2.19mg/100g) and chromium (0.98mg/100g). DPPH-radical scavenging and reducing power activities of Gongronema latifolium leaves showed the plant be concentration dependent as free radical scavenging activity increases as concentration increases from 0.2-1.0mg/ml. Conclusion: The presence of bioactive agents, minerals and free radical scavenging potentials of Gongronema latifolium leaves makes it a beneficial medicinal plant.