Abstract

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition of Mango (Mangifera indica Linn) Stem Bark and Leaves

Author(s): Donatus Ebere Okwu and Vitus Ezenagu

The phytochemical contents and medicinal values of Mangifera Indica stem barks and leaves were investigated. The results showed that the plant parts contain the presence of bioactive compounds comprising alkaloids (0.84 – 9.66 mg 100 g -1), flavonoids (6.86 – 11.24 mg 100 g –1), saponins (3.22 – 8.48 mg 100 g –1), tannins (0.09 – 0.75 mg 100 g –1) and phenols (0.09 – 0.75 mg. 100 g –1). The plant also contains water soluble vitamins comprising ascorbic acid (7.92 – 29.92 mg. 100 g –1), riboflavin (0.08 – 0.09 mg. 100 g –1), niacin (0.55 – 0.75 mg 100 g –1) and thiamine (0.02 – 0.45 mg. 100 g -1 ). Both plant parts are good sources of minerals such as Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Cu and Cd. These results showed that extract from mango (Mangifera indica) stem barks and leaves may have antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory functions.