Phytochemicals, Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Composition of Ethanol Leaves Extract of Eleusine Indica

Eleusine indica has been consumed for nutrition and management of many diseases including epilepsy, diarrhea, infections, dysentery, influenza, and hypertension. This study aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, nutrients and anti-nutrients composition of ethanol leaves extract of Eleusine indica. Phytochemicals, proximate, and anti-nutrients content of the extract were determined using AOAC method. The levels of minerals in the extract were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometeric method and flame photometeric technique. The extract displayed significant (p < 0.05) amount of steroids (78.75 %), flavonoids (52.10 %), terpenoids (44.14 %), tannins (40.25 %), alkaloids (26.13 %), saponin (34.76 %) and phenols (36.00 %). The significant (p < 0.05) amount of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, moisture content, and carbohydrate observed in the extract was 7.43 %, 6.17 %, 24.60 %, 15.40 %, 13.50 %, and 35.50 %, respectively. The extract contains significant (p < 0.05) amount of magnesium (9.33 mg/100g), sodium (2.66 mg/100g), potassium (3.00 mg/100g), calcium (7.33 mg/100g), iron (4.68 mg/100g), zinc (8.89 mg/100g), and copper (5.48 mg/100g). However, low level of oxalate (2.36 mg/100g), alkaloid (1.42 mg/100g), saponin (3.27 mg/100g), phytate (3.30 mg/100g), and tannin (1.70 mg/100g) was detected in the extract. The ethanol leaves extract of Eleusine indica displayed significant amount of phytochemicals, proximate nutrients, and minerals suggesting its nutritional and therapeutic properties.