Phytochemical, Vitamins, Amino Acid and Mineral Composition of Hydro-Methanol Extract of Ficus Auriculata Leaves

Ficus auriculata is a fig belonging to the family Moraceae and is commonly known as Elephant ear fig. Different parts of the plant have being widely used in traditional medicine for treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery, cuts and wounds, mumps, cholera and vomiting. It has been found to have antihepatotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antidiabetic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical, vitamin, amino acid, and mineral constituents of the extract of Ficus auriculata leaves. Extraction was performed by cold maceration using 80 % ethanol. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) were used for determining the phytochemical, vitamin, amino acids and mineral content. Alkaloids (9.04 %), Saponins (2.18 %), Flavonoids (4.55 %), Phenols (11.58 %) Tannins (9.74 %) and Sterols (0.74 %) were present in the extract. Among the Fat-soluble vitamins, the extract showed only the presence of vitamin A (7.223 mg/mol), none of the water-soluble vitamins were present in the extract. Result of amino acid assay showed the presence of Asparagine, Lysine, Leucine, Glycine. The extract was found to be rich in potassium, Sodium and calcium, while other minerals and heavy metals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, Lead, cadmium, and chromium were present in little amounts. The results of this study reveal the component of Ficus auriculata leaves which could be responsible for the pharmacological activity documented, as well as its nutritive value