ELEMENTAL, PROXIMATE AND AMINO ACID CONTENTS ANALYSES OF CHENOPODIUM AMBROSIOIDES LINN

Abstract

The mineral contents of the leaves, stems and roots of Chenopodium ambrosioides (Linn) were determined using a Pye Unicam 969 Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) for the metals and qualitative analyses including sodium fusion test, for the non-metals. AAS revealed the presence of K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn and Cd in the three parts of the plant, while Ag and Ni were detected only in the leaves; Co was not detected in any of the parts. The qualitative analyses revealed the presence of N, P and Cl in the three parts, while other halogens and S were absent. Proximate analysis revealed various percentages of the proximate fractions in the different parts of the plant. % ash, crude fats, crude protein and moisture contents were in the following order: leaves > roots > stems; crude fiber content was stems > roots > leaves; while total carbohydrate and reducing sugars were roots > leaves > stems. The amino acid contents analysis revealed various percentages of essential amino acids in the three parts of the plant. Keywords: proximate, elemental, amino acids, Chenopodium ambrosioides