PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ALOE VERA LEAF (Aloe barbadensis miller) AS A MEDICINAL PLANT
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the proximate and phytochemical analysis of Aloe vera leaf (Aloe barbadensis). Aloe vera has a long history as a medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic applications. The Proximate composition involves the Carbohydrate content, Ash content, Protein content, Moisture content, Crude fat content and Phosphorus content. Phytochemicals determined were Alkaloid, Tannin, Glycosides, Saponin, Flavonoids, Anthraquinodes, Balsam, Steroids and Volatile oils. Aloe vera leaf was found to be rich in Carbohydrate (77.18%). This means it can be used as a good source of Carbohydrate. The Protein and Crude fat content were found to be low (12.30% and 1.86%) respectively. It can also be used as a source of Protein and fat. Quantitative phytochemical analysis of Aloe vera leaf extract showed the presence of Alkaloids (32.12g/100g), Tannins (26.35g/100g), Saponins (11.52g/100g) and Glycosides (0.07g/100g). This is an indication of medicinal and cosmetic value of Aloe barbadensis. The leaf extract of Aloe vera was also found to be rich in Phosphorus (1.93mg/kg), which is highly required for bone formation. The overall investigation suggests that Aloe vera leaf has medicinal and nutritional properties.
Keywords
Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Properties, Aloe vera, Medicinal Plant