Proximate Composition of Dried Leaf and Stem Bark Ethanol Extracts of Annona muricata for Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Background: Annona muricata, popularly known as soursop, is an evergreen plant in the Annonaceae family cultivated in the tropical and subtropical climates around the world. Their high proximate content makes them ideal food supplement that could be harnessed in the control of cholesterol absorption hence protect against coronary heart disease risks.  This study aimed to compare the proximate composition of the dried leaf and stem bark of Annona muricata to assess their nutritional suitability for therapeutic uses. Materials And Methods: Fresh and healthy leaf and stem bark of Annona muricata was collected from Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State Nigeria and was identified by a plant taxonomist. They were examined, and the diseased leaves were discarded. The materials were washed up, dried in open air under the shade which is a preferred method of drying as this will prevent sample from losing its active component. Standard AOAC methods of proximate composition (fiber, lipid, protein, ash, moisture, carbohydrate) of plant analysis were used and result was obtained. Results: The dried leaf was found to have high significant moisture (9.67 ± 0.06), protein (16.04 ± 0.10), fat (7.4 ± 0.02), and ash content (9.59 ± 0.15), when compared to the stem bark, while the stem bark of A. muricata was significantly higher in fibre (40.29 ± 1.18) and carbohydrate (41.24 ± 0.76) content when compared to the leaf. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information on the nutritional profile of Annona muricata leaves and stem bark, which can be exploited for various purposes such as food additive, feed, and pharmaceutical uses.