Phytochemical and Nutrient Composition of Pterocarpus erinaceus Stem Bark

Abstract

The use of plants for medicine is gaining more acceptability worldwide due to its availability, affordability, efficiency and considerable safety. This study sought to gather information on the phytochemical and nutrient composition of Pterocarpus erinaceus stem bark. This will be a guide to the importance of the plant healthwise. Phytochemical, proximate, mineral and vitamin analysis was done using standard procedures. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids were present in both aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus erinaceus. Anthraquinone was present only in the ethanolic extract. Proximate analysis shows high carbohydrate and fibre content 39.33 ± 0.05% and 31.22 ± 0.32% respectively. The extract also contains 8.70 ± 1.10% protein and 0.45 ± 0.50% fat. Pterocarpus erinaceus stem bark is a rich source of vitamin A (75.87 ±0.12 IU/100 g) and B9 (71.25 ± 1.23 mcg/100 g). Heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Ni) were not detected in this study. Phosphorus and iron were detected in high amount. This therefore justifies the use of this plant for the treatment of diseases such as aneamia and diarrhea. Research should be carried out on this stem bark to explore more potentials of this plant.