European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience

Authors
Ekwealor UK, Okereke CN, Ugwoke EC, Ukpaka GC, Nweze EA, Iroka FC

Abstract
Proximate andrnmineral composition of leave, stem and root of Catharanthus roseus wasrnstudied. The result revealed that the leaves of C. roseus had higherrnmoisture content (70.50±0.23), Organic content (90.63±0.30), nitrogen contentrn(1.30±0.01), protein content (8.08±0.07), ether extract (0.07±0.09) andrncarbohydrate (81.21±0.30). The stem had higher dry matter (56.80±0.20), ash onrndrying (15.22±0.10) and crude fiber (2.38±0.90). The root had higher acidrninsoluble and water soluble ash (0.38±0.01), (2.38±0.01) respectively. Also thernresult of the mineral composition showed that the highest potassium content wasrnin the root (143.7±.0.023) while the least potassium content was found in thernstem (106.0±0.014). The highest sodium content was found in the rootrn(153.7±0.018) while the least sodium content was found in the stemrn(96.0±0.025). Phosphorus was highest in the root (312.1±0.025) and lowest inrnthe leaf (252.2±0.023). Highest magnesium content was found in the root (162.4±0.028)rnand the lowest magnesium content was seen in the stem (116.2±0.014). Also, thernstem had the highest calcium content (159.3±0.016) and the least calciumrncontent was found in the leaf (122.9±0.021). The results supported ethnornbotanical uses of Catharanthus roseus as medicine and potentials of thernparts as source of food. The high concentration of crude fibre in the leaf,rnstem and root of Catharanthus roseus increases its potentials asrnlaxatives and in reduction of excessive weight. This study has helped to exposernthe essential mineral components in Catharanthus roseus, hencernpresenting the plant as a reservoir for the treatment of many diseases.