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ABSTRACT
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is used as spice, preservation, coloring agent and has a wide range of medicinal and pharmacological application. Curcuminoids are the major component of turmeric and are responsible for various biological action.The studies were carried out to determine the proximate and phytochemical constituents of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanoic extracts of Curcuma longa were carried out using standard procedures. The results of the analysis indicated that turmeric contains high amount of moisture, carbohydrates and fat, it also contains appreciable amount of protein, crude fibre and ash.The percentage proximate composition results obtained from Curcuma longa (Turmeric) extractreveals each parameter to be; moisture content 80.220±3.296%, ash content 7.878±0.4960%, crude fiber content 10.844±0.723%, crude lipid 21.069±0.7861%, crude protein 6.308±0.0158% and nitrogen free extract 56.899±0.8765%. This reveals that the plant extract is a good source of carbohydrates.The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavoniods, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, eugenols, saponins,and phenolics. The phytochemicals obtained in the rhizomes of turmeric plant; saponins, tannins, and flavonoids showed that turmeric contains anti-oxidant properties. The presence of tannins in the plant extracts showed that turmeric have anti-microbial activities. The presence of alkaloids in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa indicated that the plant can be used to cure chronic catarrh and migraine, and can be used in the production of drugs for the prevention of cancer as alkaloids have anti-cancer activity.
