Abstract

Quantitative determination of chemical and nutritional composition of the leaf, fruit pulp, pericarp and seed of Saba florida (Apocynaceae), an underexploited medicinal and food plant in Nigeria, was carried out using standard methods. The plant parts contain levels of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and other phytochemical. Proximate analysis (total protein, fats, carbohydrate, ash, and moisture contents) were carried out following methods of Association of official Analytical chemists. The order of increasing concentration of the proximate composition is protein —> moisture—>ash—>crude fibre—>fats —>carbohydrate in all plant parts. Elemental nutrients Ca, K, Na, Mg, Pb, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results revealed higher concentration of macronutrients in all plant parts except K. In conclusion S. florida has high nutritional and medicinal value.

Key words: Saba florida (Apocynaceae) proximate analysis, phytoconstituents, macro and micronutrients, Ibaji.