DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIONAL POTENTIALS OF FRESH HENSIACRINATA (ATAMA) LEAVES FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS BY ATOMICABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETER AND ITS HEALTH BENEFITS

Abstract

Heinsia crinata is a perennial shrub of Rubiaceae family used traditionally in the treatment of skin rashes, infertility, hypertension, wound healing, gastrointestinal disorders and boosting of libido, ovulation and bowel movement. Ayurvedic medicine makes use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases due to the inherent properties of secondary metabolites. The aim of the research was to determine the mineral content of Heinsia crinata in comparison to other obtained Heinsia crinata data. The fresh leaves of Heinsia crinata were processed and the digest analysed for the mineral content with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results obtained were: K (28.02 ± 0.02) mg/100g, Na (0.72 ± 0.15 mg/100g), Zn (11.93 ± 1.42 mg/100g), Fe (0.4 ± 0.34 mg/100g), Mg (55.93 ± 3.00 mg/100g), Mn (40.4 ± 2.30 mg/100g), Cu (3.03 ± 0.13 mg/100g) and Ca (33.12 ± 0.61 mg/100g). The results showed that Heinsia crinata had some mineral elements with the most abundant being magnesium and therefore, could be beneficial when consumed