Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activity of the Leaf of cassia alata LINN.

The leaves of cassia alata Linn were successively extracted with n-hexane and ethylacetate using the soxhlet method. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of free anthraquinones, flavonoids, steroids and saponins. The n-hexane crude extract exhibited some anti – bacterial activity against Yersinnia enterocolitica, streptococcus pneumonia and salmonella typhi. Anti–fungal activities against Microsporum audouini and Trichophyton meritagrophyta were also exhibited. A synergic test of n–hexane and ethylacetate extracts showed an improved sensitivity against shigella sormei and strep. pneumonia. A confirmatory phytochemical analysis performed on the most mobile tlc isolate (Rf 0.94) from the n-hexane extract revealed the presence of steroidal saponin. This was found to be active against strep. pneumonia. Key words: Cassia alata, Phytochemistry,Steroids and Antimicrobial activit

Nutritional, Elemental and Amino Acid Profile Analyses of the Seeds of Aspilia africana: A Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)

This study was designed to investigate the nutritional, anti-nutritional, amino acid profile and elemental constituents of the seeds of Aspilia Africana; a neglected and underutilized species (NUS). The nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of A. africana was determined using standard methods. The nutritional analysis showed the presence of carbohydrate (39.40±0.17%), crude protein (21.78±0.24%), fat (20.80±0.25%), ash (6.95±0.44%), crude fiber (9.70±0.25%) and moisture (1.31±0.02%). Anti-nutrients present include; oxalate (0 33±0.02%), saponins (2.96±0.04%), alkaloids (3,99±0.02%), phytate (0.13±0.00%), tannins (155.09±0.78 mg/100 g) and cyanogenic glycosides (4.30±0.06 mg/100 g). Amino acid profile was determined using the model 120a PTH amino acid analyzer. All essential and non-essential amino acids were detected. The seeds were found to be rich in amino acids (12.26 g/100 g-2.19 g/100 g), except for tryptophan (1.02 g/100 g) and cysteine (1.15 g/100 g). Macro and micro minerals found include: Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), Sulphur (S), Phosphurus (P), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Rubidium (Rb), Manganese (Mn), Rhenium (Re), Gold (Au), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn) and Strontium (Sr). This shows that A. africana seeds are rich in nutrients and capable of ameliorating the acute food shortage being experienced the world over