Chemical Composition Profiling of Epiphyllum oxypetalum (DC.) Haw. (Queen of the Night) Grown in Akure Metropoly, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Phytopharmaca possesses phytochemical ingredients which usually allow them to act as remedy to several ailments. The present study determines the biochemical constituents of Epiphyllum oxypetalum methanol root extract. The roots were harvested, washed, shade dried at room temperature, and pulverized to powder. The extract was prepared, concentrated and analysed using standard laboratory techniques for determination of phytochemical, proximate and mineral elemental components present in the root of E. oxypetalum, while phytocompounds were determined using GC-MS analysis. Results of the phytochemical components of the extract of E. oxypetalum showed presence of appreciable qualitative and quantitative components, and a wide range of phytocompounds. Proximate analysis revealed valuable concentrations of moisture (35.77±0.08), protein (6.92±0.02), fat (1.37±0.01), ash (8.86±0.06), crude fibre (14.93±0.52) and carbohydrates (57.15±1.57). The mineral content of the roots were very outstanding which include- calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc. The level of minerals resident in the roots of the studied plant may account for its high nutritious and medicinal values. Conclusively, it is evident that the root would not only provide adequate nutritional supplementation but may also provide the users with adequate therapeutic arsenal for the management of various health problems