ILENIKHIENA MIRACLE IROBOSA

The phytochemical, proximate, and mineral composition of the mixed solvents extract of the leaves of Ficus capensis collected from university of Benin, Edo state was investigated. The parameters investigated were determined using standard biochemical methods. Phytochemical studies carried out on mixed ethanol and methanol extract of Ficus capensis leaves showed high levels of flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins and alkaloids while glycosides, saponins, steroids were in trace amount, with no anthraquinone present. The proximate analysis of the leaves revealed that Ficus capensis leaves has a high carbohydrate content of (36.45%), moisture content of (20.22%), crude fiber (20.41) significant amount of crude protein (15.70%), lipids (4.24%) and very low amount ash content of (2.98%). This composition shows that the sample could be a good source of carbohydrate, moisture, and fiber. The mineral content showed the presence of zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and iron content. This indicates the tendency of Ficus capensis to be able to control osmotic balance, essential for bone formation, lower blood pressure and also act a source of antioxidant vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the pH, electrical conductivity of the soil, and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis of the leaf extracts were conducted. In which the TLC was used to identify the component present in the
extracts. The presence of these phytochemicals and minerals in this leafy vegetable supports the use of the leaves of Ficus capensis for food and ethno medicinal purposes in many parts of Nigeria and across the globe.