PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF FICUS SPECIES COMPOSITE LEAF POWDER

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the proximate and phytochemical composition of three Ficus spp (Ficus carica, F. exasperata and F. thonningii). Fresh leaves were harvested, air-dried and milled. Samples of the composite mix was subjected to laboratory analysis to determine the proximate and phytochemical. Results obtained indicated that the composite leaf powder contained Moisture content, ash, Fat, Crude Fibre (CF), Crude Protein (CP) Crude fat, ash and Carbohydrate 9.99%, 10.59%, 4.58%, 21.03%, 10.83% and 42.94% respectively. The composite contains phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids tannins, phytates, anthraquinone, and cardiac glycosides. The most prevalent phytochemical was phenol. In CONCLUSION, the composite mix contains a significant number of nutrients and phytochemicals which could be employed as a natural feed supplement in animal nutrition. More research is needed to assess the efficacy of the composite leaf powder as a feed supplement on animal performance and health.