Proximate and Mineral Composition, Phytochemical Analysis, and Antioxidant Activity of Fig Trees (Ficus spp.) Leaf Powder
C. O. Osowe
Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
O. P. A. Olowu
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, The Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria.
O. A. Adu
Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
O. D. Oloruntola *
Department of Animal Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria.
C. A. Chineke
Department of Animal Production and Health, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to analyse and characterise the leaf powder of Ficus carica, Ficus exasperata, and Ficus thonningii.
Methodology: Ficus carica, Ficus exasperata, and Ficus thonningii leaf powder were analysed quantitatively for proximate, phytochemicals, minerals, and antioxidant activity.
Results: The ash, crude protein, and nitrogen free extract concentration were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Ficus carica leaf powder than the rest Ficus species under study. However, the crude fiber and crude fat concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in Ficus thonningii and Ficus exasperata leaf powder, respectively. The concentration of tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and saponins was higher (P<0.05) in Ficus exasperata than other Ficus species under study. However, the concentration of the alkaloids was higher (P<0.05) in Ficus carica leaf powder than Ficus exasperata and Ficus thonningii leaf powder. The Zn and P were higher (P<0.05) in Ficus carica than the rest F. species under study. The Fe contents of F. carica and F. exasperata leaf powders were higher (P<0.05) than F. thonningii leaf powder. The Ca contents of F. carica leaf powder and F. thonningii leaf powder were higher (P>0.05) than F. exasperata leaf powder. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate value was higher (P<0.05) in Fiscus exasperata leaf powder than F. carica and F. thonningii. However, the value of vitamin c was higher (P<0.05) in Ficus carica, compared to the rest F. species.
Conclusion: This study reveals that the leaf powder of F. carica, F. exasperata, and F. thonningii contains a significant number of minerals and phytochemicals with high antioxidant activity and could be employed as a natural feed supplement in animal nutrition.
Keywords: Characterisation, Ficus spp, phytochemicals, phyto-supplements