Proximate Composition, Vitamin and Anatomical Studies on Gomphrena celosioides
C. V. Ilodibia *
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
F. U. Ewere
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
E. E. Akachukwu
Department of Biology, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Anambra State, Nigeria.
R. N. Adimonyemma
Department of Biology, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Anambra State, Nigeria.
N. A. Igboabuchi
Department of Biology, Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Anambra State, Nigeria.
N. F. Okeke
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Gomphrena celosioides is an ornamental plant with highly medicinal values. Available information on its anatomical studies is scanty while proximate composition and vitamins investigations are lacking. This study therefore focused on proximate composition, vitamin and anatomical evaluation of its various parts usingstandard methods. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for data analysis. Moisture, ash and crude fiber were highest in the stem (64.20±0.14, 8.26±0.00 and 18.66±0.01) respectively. Total protein and fat contents were highest in the leaf (0.44±0.00 and 0.52±0.00) respectively while carbohydrate was highest in the root (33.21±0.63). The study on vitamins showed that vitamins A and C contents were highest in leaf (1.96±0.01) and (1.68±0.01) respectively and lowest in root (1.57±0.02) and (1.47±0.01) respectively. Anatomical result revealed similar features in their epidermis and cortex and differences in their vascular bundles arrangement. This work has demonstrated that the plant is highly nutritious. Apart from its use as an ornamental, the parts could be used as food to supplement our daily nutrient needs. Also the anatomical result is an additional aid to the taxonomic characterization of the plant.
Keywords: Anatomical, proximate composition, vitamin and Gomphrena celosioides.