ABSTRACT
The stem bark of Cylicodiscus gabunensis has been used locally to treat various illnesses such as migraines, malaria, stomach ache etc. However, in recent time due to increase in the popularity of herbal medicinal plants products, there is a great deal of concern with adulteration and the presence of high levels of heavy metals in herbal products. The present study was carried out to determine the phytochemical constituents, proximate parameters, elemental and heavy metals composition of the stem bark of Cylicodiscus gabunensis. Standard methods were used to screen the crude powdered sample of the plant for the presence of plant secondary metabolites, determine its proximate parameters, elemental composition and the presence of heavy metals. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Carbohydrates, Steroids, Tannins, Saponins, Flavonoids, Phenols, Alkaloids. The proximate analysis revealed the moisture content to be 10.913 ± 0.060 %, Total ash 5.623 ± 0.103 %, Acid Insoluble ash 1.83 ± 0.133%, Water soluble ash value 0.724 ± 0.237%, Alcohol extractive value 11.74 ± 0.280 %, Water extractive value 10.90 ± 1.346%. The following elements and minerals: Sodium 0.75 ± 0.05 ppm, Potassium 42.0 ± 1 ppm, Calcium 41 ± 0.5 ppm, Magnesium 1.69 ± 0.13 ppm, Zinc 0.025 ± 0.003 ppm, Iron, 1.44 ± 0.34 ppm, Manganese 0.135 ± 0.005 ppm, Copper 0.02 ppm were also detected. Heavy metals namely Lead 0.025 ± 0.005 ppm, Nickel 0.035 ± 0.015 ppm, Cadmium 0.015 ± 0.005 ppm were observed to be at concentrations lower than WHO recommended limit. Chromium was undetected. We can conclude that the presence of the phytochemical constituents and mineral elements in the plant sample may be contributory to its biological properties.
