Phytochemical Analysis and Proximate Composition of Jatropha tagorensis Plant

Abstract

Consumption of a diet rich in vegetables significantly enhances overall wellbeing by 
reducing the risk of various chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, 
hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, several types of cancer, chronic 
obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory disorders, and mental health issues. The 
protective effects of vegetables are often attributed to their phytochemical 
content, which may contribute to anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in managing 
cardiovascular diseases. However, the precise mechanisms of action of these 
phytochemicals remain difficult to fully elucidate. Anaemia remains a serious health 
concern across all age groups—children, adolescents, and adults alike. Jatropha 
tagorensis, commonly referred to in Northern Nigeria as “Get well soon” or “Kafi 
likita,” is traditionally used for its antianaemic and antioxidant properties. This study 
investigated the phytochemical composition and proximate nutrient content of fresh 
J. tagorensis leaves sourced from farms on the outskirts of Zaria, Kaduna State, 
Nigeria. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using established 
methods to detect the presence of key bioactive compounds: tannins (Van-Burden 
and Robinson, 1981), saponins (Obadoni and Ochuko, 2001), flavonoids (Boham and 
Kocipai-Abyazan, 1994), alkaloids (Harborne, 1973), phenols (Trease and Evans, 
1985), and phlobatannins (Sofowora, 1993). The percentage composition obtained 
was: tannins (0.53%), saponins (0.80%), flavonoids (3.32%), alkaloids (0.67%), phenols 
(0.31%), and phlobatannins (1.43%). Proximate analysis, conducted using the 
Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2000) methods, revealed the 
following composition: dry matter (89.01%), moisture content (5.44%), crude protein 
(17.75%), lipid (5.36%), crude fibre (5.32%), ash (14.49%), and carbohydrate 
(51.64%).