Assessment and quantification of some bioactive components and minerals in the leaves and roots of two <i>Acalypha</i> species

Abstract

The study assessed and quantified some bioactive constituents (proximate, vitamins, amino acids) and minerals in the leaves and roots of Acalypha wilkesiana L. and Acalypha hispida L. used in the treatment of some ailments. Standard procedures were followed in the assessment. The proximate composition varied in the leaves and roots of A. wilkesiana and A. hispida. The total water-soluble vitamins for the leaves and roots of A. wilkesiana were 14.26% and 33.29%, and fat-soluble vitamins were 8.63% and 19.86%, respectively, while for A. hispida, the water-soluble vitamins were 22.23% and 44.95% and the fat-soluble vitamins were 13.25% and 26.35%, respectively. The non-essential amino acids of A. wilkesiana leaves and roots were 0.98% and 1.79%, respectively, and the essential amino acids were 4.49% and 6.69% while for leaves and roots of A. hispida, 1.18% and 3.36% (non-essential amino acids) and 5.40% and 9.63% (essential amino acids) were recorded, respectively. The mineral composition varied in the leaves and roots of A. wilkesiana and A. hispidia. These bioactive compounds and minerals present in the leaves and roots of A. wilkesiana and A. hispida could be harnessed and used in addressing the challenging matrix in human nutrition.