Phytochemical and Elemental Analysis of Sida corymbosa (Broom Weed or Wire Weed) Leaf and Root Extracts

Aim: To investigate if Sida corymbosa leaf and root ethanolic extracts have some medicinal values and whether they can be used as a supplement to some mineral elements.

Study Design: This work was designed to identify the presence of some phytochemicals and mineral elements in leaf and root samples of the plant and to determine which samples contain more of the above mentioned parameters.

Place and Duration of Study: This work took place at the Department of Human Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus and Spring Board. Research Laboratory, Awka, Anambra State. The duration of study is eight weeks.

Methodology: Qualitative phytochemical screening was done by colour identification method while the quantitative phytochemical analysis was done using the gas chromatographic method. Elemental analysis was done using Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method

Results: It was observed that the extracts contained more of flavonoids which include; epicatechin, kaempferol, catechin, naringin and rutin (Table 1). Tannin level was observed to be significantly higher (42.546 ±3.59, P<0.05) in aqueous root than ethanolic root, aqueous and ethanolic leaf extracts. Phenol and epicateclum were higher in aqueous and ethanolic root and leaf extracts (7.053 and 1.329 mg/ml). The results of mineral elements analyzed showed that the amount of Na+, Fe2+, CU2+, SO2- and Cl- were significantly higher in the leaves than the roots. (P<0.05). Highest extraction yield was also witnessed in ethanolic leaf extract (19.57+0.32) than other extracts.

Conclusion: Sida corymbosa leaves and roots have many medicinal values as is claimed claimed by some traditional medicine practitioners. The plant leaf and root extracts may have some antioxidants and anti malaria properties since it contained many flavonoids and alkaloids The plant leaves may serve as a better supplement to Na+, Fe2+, CU2+, Mn-, CO2+, SO42- and Cl- than the root.