ABSTRACT

The determination of the macro-mineral composition of Vernonia amygdalina was carried out using standard procedure. The result of the study revealed the following P (3.33±0.002), Na (2.26±1.26), Ca (3.11±0.004),  Mg (2.14±0.007) and K (7.25±0.006). This result revealed that Vernonia amygdalina contains important macro mineral elements. Phosphorus was the highest in concentration while magnesium was the least. The researcher recommend that the leaves Vernonia amygdalina should be used as supplement in foods to improve the mineral composition of foods. Several pharmacological activities of this plant are discussed. This plant is recommended for consumption by individual.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page    –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         i

Certification           –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         ii

Dedication   –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         iii

Acknowledgements         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         iv

Abstract       –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         v

Table of Contents  –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         vi-vii

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study – –         –         –         –         –

1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study –         –         –         –

1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study –         –         –         –

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1     Taxonomy and Classification of Vernonia amygdalina     –

2.2     Phytochemistry of Vernonia amygdalina       –         –         –

2.3     Minerals       –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

2.3.1  Macro Elements     –         –         –         –         –         –         –

2.3.2  Micro/Trace Elements      –         –         –         –         –         –

2.4     Uses   –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

2.4.1  Food Uses of Vernonia Amygdalina    –         –         –         –

2.4.2  Health Benefits      –         –         –         –         –         –         –

CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1     Materials      –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

3.2     Method        –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

3.2.1  Sample Collection and Preparation      –         –         –         –

3.2.2 Sample Digestion    –         –         –         –         –         –         –

3.2.3  Determination of Trace Element Content       –         –         –

CHAPTER FOUR        

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1     Result          –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

4.2     Discussion   –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1     Conclusion  –         –         –         –         –         –         –         –

5.2     Recommendations –         –         –         –         –         –         –

References

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Vernonia amygdalina a member of the Asteaceae family, is a small perennial shrub that grows to a height of 2-5 m. The leaves are elliptical and up to 2 cm long with a rough back. It is commonly called bitter leaf in English because of its bitter taste (Ijike, 2011). African common names include onugbu (Igbo), ewuro (Yoruba), chusar-doki (Hausa), grawa (Amharic), etidot (Ibibio), ityuna (Tiv), oriwo (Edo), mululuza (Luganda), labwori (Acholi), olusia (Luo) and Ndolé (cameroon) (Egedigwe, 2010;Kokware, 2009). Aliyu et al., (2008) documented that the leaves are being used as a valuable source of food and medicine for the prevention of illness and maintenance of human health.

Huffmna and Seifu (1989), documented that chimpanzees have been observed to ingest the leaves when suffering from parasitic infection. Challand and Willcoe (2009), also stated that the fresh leaves have been successfully used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Vernonia amygdalina extracts have been known to possess potential pharmacological effects (Song et al., 2005; Sweeney et al., 2005). Its anti cancerous effects as well as influence on body estrogen have also been documented (Blanco et al, 2010; Izevbigie et al., 2004). Also its antioxidant activities as well as its effects on blood glucose and lipids have also been documented (Erasto et al., 2007; Erasto et al., 2006). Erasto et al., (2006) described its medicinal use in the treatment of leech and bilharzia as well as pneumonia, cough and as a laxative.

The importance of Vernonia amygdalina in medicine remains even the greatest relevance with the current global shift to obtain drugs from plant source, as a result of which attention has been given to the medical values of herbal remedies for safety, efficacy and economy (Glombitza et al., 2003; Mahabir and Gulliford, 1997). The World Health Organization in a number of resolutions emphasizes the need to ensure quality control of plant products by using modern techniques and applying suitable standards (WHO, 2002). Bitter leaf is continually being utilized as therapeutic agent in formulations for treating diseases in the traditional ethno medicinal system in southern and Eastern parts of Nigeria. However, environmental, atmosphere, pollution, soil, harvesting and handling are some of the factors which may play important roles in contamination of Vernonia amygdalina leaves by metals. It is therefore of major interest to evaluate the phytochemicals and some trace elements in the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina because variations or elevated levels of these metals may influence their use in medical practice.

1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study is to determine the Macro element content of Vernonia amygdalina.

1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study focused on the determination of macro elements in Vernonia amygdalina leaf only. This is due to lack of time and finance.