ABSTRACT
Datura stramonium is a medicinal plant known for its pharmacological and toxicological properties due to its rich phytochemical and mineral composition. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical, mineral, and proximate composition of ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of D.stramonium to evaluate their potential therapeutic and nutritional significance. The leaves were collected, identified, air-dried, and ground into powder. Extraction was performed using maceration, where the powdered leaves were soaked in ethanol and distilled water separately. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using standard qualitative and quantitative methods: alkaloids were determined using Harborne’s method, tannins by the Van-Burden and Robinson method, flavonoids using aluminum chloride colorimetry, saponins by the Obadoni and Ochuko method, and phenols by spectrophotometry. Mineral composition was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for elements such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. Proximate composition (moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, ether extract, and nitrogen-free extract) was determined using AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) standard methods, including the Kjeldahl method for crude protein, Soxhlet extraction for crude fat, and dry ashing for mineral content. Results showed that ethanol extracts had higher concentrations of alkaloids (3.8%) and flavonoids (4.6%), while aqueous extracts contained more phenols (5.41%), cardiac glycosides (2.64%), and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Proximate analysis indicated that ethanol extraction yielded a higher crude protein content (9.58%), whereas aqueous extracts had a greater nitrogen-free extract percentage (68.90%), reflecting higher carbohydrate content. The findings suggest that ethanol extracts are more suitable for pharmacological applications due to their higher alkaloid and flavonoid content, while aqueous extracts may offer better nutritional benefits. However, due to the plant’s toxic potential, controlled usage is recommended. This study provides valuable insights into the medicinal and nutritional potential of D.stramonium, supporting its possible applications in traditional and modern medicine.
