Project Materials

ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS ON EDIBLE LEAVES PTEROCARPUS MILDBREADII (OHA) SEED

ABSTRACT

Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves collected from Samaru and Sabo were examined for elemental compositions and proximate components. The contents for the Samaru and Sabo samples were as follows: 10.94 ± 0.083, 10.81± 0.070 percent ash, 9.35 ± 0.031, 9.19± 0.070 percent moisture, 21.00± 0.19, 21.27± 0.030 percent crude protein, 5.91 ± 0.110%, 6.00± 0.020 percent crude lipid, 8.15± 0.230, 8.11± 0.130 percent crude fibre, and 44.65±0.655, 44.57± 0.352 percent carbohydrates. Zinc (30.70, 30.90 mg/kg) and potassium (1049, 1050.50 mg/kg) are the most abundant minerals, while manganese (3.27, 3.24 mg/kg) is present in less significant amounts. No level of arsenic was found in either sample, and these values are in accordance with the FAO/WHO (2012) recommended daily dietary allowance for the minerals. According to the study, Pterocarpus mildbraedii, or oha leaf, has a high concentration of essential minerals and nutrients (such as potassium, protein, and carbs) that are necessary for a balanced diet. The plant’s immense nutritional worth is further praised by its high protein and carbohydrate content. Therefore, P. mildbraedii can be confirmed as a possible industrial raw material for the development of drugs and food formulation.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The nutritional makeup and possible health advantages of different food sources are best understood through the use of elemental analysis. It offers important information on the concentration and presence of trace and essential elements that are critical to human health.

Oha, also known as Pterocarpus mildbreadii, is a plant species that is widely used in cooking and medicine. Oha’s edible leaves and seeds have drawn a lot of interest because of their high nutritional content and possible health advantages.

Using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), this study attempts to conduct a thorough elemental analysis in order to determine the elemental composition of the edible leaves and seeds of Pterocarpus mildbreadii (Oha).

A tropical plant native to West Africa, especially Nigeria, oha is a member of the Fabaceae family and is widely grown there as well as used in traditional cooking. Oha leaves are frequently used to soups and stews as a vegetable, and the seeds are sometimes eaten as well.

Oha is prized for its potential medical benefits in addition to its flavour and culinary uses. Oha has been used therapeutically by traditional healers for a number of ailments, such as inflammation, fever, and gastrointestinal issues.

Oha’s high concentration of vital nutrients, such as proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, accounts for its nutritional value. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of thorough knowledge regarding Oha’s elemental makeup, especially with regard to its leaves and seeds.

Understanding the presence and concentrations of different elements—which are essential for comprehending Oha’s nutritional and therapeutic potential—can be achieved through the use of elemental analysis.

Numerous physiological functions in the human body depend on macroelements including calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na).

While potassium is necessary for preserving fluid balance, nerve function, and heart health, calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Magnesium is essential for bone mineralisation and energy metabolism, while phosphorus is