Phytochemicals, Nutrients and Anti-Nutrients Composition of the Aqueous Roots and Stem Extract of Typha Domingensis

Abstract

Medicinal plants contain various phytoconstituents and have nutritional benefits, medicinal properties, and pharmacological activities. Typha domingensis has been used as source of foods and in the treatment of many diseases including wounds, anxiety, depression, and bleeding disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the phytochemicals, nutrients and anti-nutrients contents of the aqueous roots and stem extract of Typha domingensis. Phytochemicals, proximate, minerals and anti-nutrients composition were determined using standard analytical methods. The results revealed that aqueous roots and stem extract of T. domingensis demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) amount of glycosides (8.50 and 22.05 %), saponins (5.32 and 6.01 %), alkaloids (2.87 and 6.80 %), flavonoids (2.81 and 5.63 %), cardiac glycosides (1.73 and 7.41 %), steroids (5.44 and 1.90 %), and tannins (2.29 and 2.50 %), respectively. A significant (p < 0.05) amounts moisture (55.30 and 28.21%), fiber (34.77 and 19.50 %), carbohydrates (25.99 and 20.29), ash (20.41 and 11.40 %), lipids (7.82and 5.06 %) and protein (4.96 and 2.88 %) were found in the aqueous roots and stem extract of T. domingensis, respectively. The aqueous roots and stem extract of T. domingensis demonstrated higher significant (p < 0.05) levels of calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, aluminium, zinc, copper, manganese, cobalt with trace amount of nickel, lead, and cadmium. However, the amount of the phytochemicals and the nutrients was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the aqueous roots extract of T. domingensis compared to the stem extract. A trace amount of oxalate, tannins, phytate, and cyanide was found in the aqueous roots and stem extract of T. domingensis. The aqueous roots and stem extract of T. domingensis contains significant amount of phytochemicals and nutrients which could be attributed to its nutritional value and medicinal properties.