Abstract

DOES CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS LINN. CONTAIN NUTRITIVE AND MEDICINAL CONSTITUENTS?

*Ogugua Victor N, Anaduaka Emeka G., Egba Simeon I Apeh Victor O.,. and Nriagu Mattew C.

A

ABSTRACT

Cissus quadrangularis stem was investigated for phytochemicals and antioxidant vitamin contents. The antioxidant vitamins and phytochemical analyses were determined by different methods. The results obtained revealed that the phytochemical constituents present include: alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, reducing sugars, soluble carbohydrates, glycosides, terpenoids and saponins. The saponins, alkaloids, glycoside and soluble carbohydrates were much abundant ranging between 1.5- 5.5 mg/100g. The result also showed the quantitative presence of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E with A being the most abundant at 1.375 mg/100g. Results obtained revealed that the plant Cissus quadrangularis is endowed with free radical scavenging molecules and it can be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants and nutrients.

Keywords: Cissus quadrangularis, Phytochemicals, antioxidant, stem.