Proximate and Phytochemical Profile of Cirsium arvense Leaves

The aim of this study is to investigate the proximate and quantitative phytochemical components of the leaves of Cirsium arvense. Fresh leaves of Cirsium arvense were collected from Achara Autonomous community in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria and identified by a plant taxonomist from the department of plant science and biotechnology, River state university, Nigeria. Proximate and quantitative phytochemical analysis of C. arvense leaf were carried out using standard methods. Results of the proximate composition revealed that Carbohydrate content (59.284%) was high, followed by protein (11.55%) with energy value of 340.198 Kcal. The dry matter was 85% with moisture content of 15%, fat (6.318%), ash content (4.361%) and fibre (3.487%). The quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids (Lunamarin (3.7340ug/ml), saponin (Sapogenin (5.7077ug/ml), phytate (19.2702ug/ml), Cynagenic glycoside (17.148ug/ml), flavonoids (Flavan 3 ol (10.5455ug/ml), Rutin (7.0365ug/ml), Flavonoes (4.1051ug/ml), Flavone (3.7603ug/ml), with flavonoids in high concentrations. The result from this study has revealed the chemical constituents embedded in this plant leaf and will provide needed information to researchers in the area of herbal medicine.