ABSTRACT

This study assessed the proximate, phytochemical, and mineral properties of Chromolaena odorata (Siam Weed) leaf to explore possible applications in nutrition and pharmacology. Fresh leaves were collected from Ekosodin Community, Benin City, Nigeria, and authenticated at the University of Benin Herbarium. The leaves were air-dried, ground into powder, and analyzed using standard techniques. Proximate analyses included Soxhlet extraction for fat, Kjeldahl method for protein, and gravimetric techniques for ash and moisture. Phytochemical analyses utilized qualitative and quantitative methods, such as Folin-Ciocalteu for polyphenols and sodium hydroxide tests for flavonoids. Mineral analyses was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) for calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. The results revealed a high carbohydrate content (59.02 ± 0.15%), moderate protein (8.45 ± 0.10%), and significant fiber (14.32 ± 0.11%), making the plant a promising source of energy and dietary fiber. Crude fat (4.12 ± 0.05) and ash content (6.24 ± 0.08) were on moderate levels. Phytochemical analyses indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and saponins, with ethanolic extracts showing higher solubility and extraction efficiency compared to aqueous extracts. Quantitative analyses highlighted significant levels of polyphenols (78.50 ± 2.20 mg/100 g in ethanol), vitamin C (36.42 ± 0.85 mg/100 g), and oxalic acid (7.25 ± 0.60 mg/100 g), while phytic acid was shown to be absent. Mineral analyses showed calcium as the most abundant mineral (254.6 ± 3.2 mg/100 g), followed by magnesium (78.3 ± 1.5) and iron (15.2 ± 0.8).  These findings emphasize the role of Chromolaena odorata as as a potential resource for nutrition and medicine and the importance of solvent choice in optimizing phytochemical extraction. Future studies could explore its bioactive components for therapeutic applications and develop strategies for its sustainable utilization.