Eclipta prostrata (L) is one of the plant samples used locally in the south western part of Nigeria in preparation of herbs for treatment of some ailments, diseases and hormonal disorder. The sample was purchased, and authenticated with a view to evaluate its nutritional composition by determining the proximate composition, mineral content, and amino acid profile using standard analytical method. The proximate analysis revealed; the moisture content for the root to be the highest followed by the stem, while the leaf has the least value. The ash content and protein values respectively were (7.54±0.00)g/100g, 12.48±0.03g/100g for the root and the highest followed by the stem (7.54±0.23)g/100g; (11.36±0.47)g/100g and the leaf had the least values; (5.55±0.00)g/100g, 4.38±0.61) g/100g respectively. More crude fat and crude fibre were found in the root followed by the stem. The leaf had the highest value of nitrogen free extractive; (70.15±0.71)g/100g while the root had the least (56.51±0.26)g/100g. The dietary mineral revealed highest concentration of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe in the root than other parts. Other minerals that were detected in the three parts of the plants samples in trace amount are: Cu, Mn, P, and Cd. Lead was not detected in the samples but the stem showed trace amount of selenium of concentration, 0.05±0.16mg/100g. The amino acid profile revealed significant proportion of both essential and non-essential amino acid. The amino acid values were higher in the stem than the leaf and the root of the plant samples. The consumption and pharmaceutical use of the whole part of the plant is therefore encouraged. The plants could serve as raw material to produce essential supplements needed by man

Image of Eclipta prostrata

Olufisayo Onawumi

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