Comparative Phytochemical and Proximate Analysis of Cajanus cajan Leaves and Chromolaena odorata Leaves

Abstract

Introduction: Plants have been in use for so many ages in traditional and alternative medicine because they contain rich repositories of bioactive compounds. This study compared the phytochemical composition and nutritional profile of Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea) with Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) leaves that were both of wide recognition in traditional medicinal practices. Methods: The leaves of the mature plants were collected, identified, and then screened for phytochemicals and nutritional composition using standard methods. The quantitative determinations of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phytates, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, oxalates, and anthocyanins were done. Proximate nutrient analysis was done for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrates. Results: Result of phytochemicals in Cajanus cajan showed higher flavonoids (20.350%), alkaloids (14.594%), and anthocyanins (6.215%) compared to Chromolaena odorata (alkaloids: 16.820%, flavonoids: 3.631%, anthocyanins: 2.184%). Controversely, Chromolaena odorata reported higher concentrations of saponins (19.283%) and cyanogenic glycosides (0.335%) than Cajanus cajan (saponins: 5.515%, cyanogenic glycosides: 0.072%). Proximate nutrient analysis revealed that Cajanus cajan had 8.5% moisture content, 7.2% ash, and 22.1% crude protein, whereas Chromolaena odorata had 7.3% moisture, 5.8% ash, and 18.9% crude protein. Cajanus cajan is rich in flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids while Chromolaena odorata is rich in saponins, alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that both plants possess typical phytochemical profiles and nutritional composition that show their potential therapeutic and nutritional values. The two plants can be exploited for medicinal and nutritional values to improve human health.