ABSTRACT
This study focused on the production of turmeric powder and analysing its content for specific phytochemicals and mineral elements. The examined phytochemicals included flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, steroids, quinones, coumarins, and saponins, while the selected mineral elements were iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and potassium. Fresh turmeric rhizomes were sourced from Uselu Market in Edo State, Nigeria. The rhizomes were processed into powder using standard methods, and the presence of the selected phytochemicals was evaluated. The analysis revealed the following mineral content in the fresh turmeric rhizomes: iron (2.50 mg/L), magnesium (0.05 mg/L), calcium (0.15 mg/L), zinc (2.00 mg/L), and potassium (90.04 mg/L). For the processed turmeric powder, the mineral content was measured as iron (5.71 mg/L), magnesium (1.27 mg/L), calcium (0.84 mg/L), zinc (0.20 mg/L), and potassium (45.20 mg/L). These results indicates that turmeric powder is a rich source of important minerals, particularly potassium.
