Presentation New_removed from FN which leads

Presentation New_removed from FN which leads

1. Seminar Presentation
Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition of CentellaasiaticaLeaves
Journal
Author
Ogunka-NnokaCU1*, Igwe
FU2,Agwu J1,Peter OJ1and
WolugbomPH1
1.
Department of Biochemistry,
University of Port Harcourt, Choba,
Rivers State, Nigeria;
2
Department of
Biochemistry, Rivers State University,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Presented By
AnishaYasmin
Exam roll:
Registration roll:
MS
Session 2017-18
Department of Food & Nutrition
Akij college of Home Economics

2. Contents
•Introduction
•Rational of the study
•Objectives
•Materials & Methods
•Results
•Discussion
•Summary
•Recommendations
•Conclusion
•Reference

3. Introduction
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in discovering foods and
beverages with high nutrient density and health benefits.
Traditional herbs, widely used in folk medicine, have gained attention due
to their long-standing historical usage. Among these is *Centella asiatica*
(Gotu Kola), a herb native to India and parts of Asia, known for its
medicinal properties, such as treating varicose veins and wounds.
This study focuses on the nutrient and phytochemical composition of
*Centella asiatica*, a plant rich in bioactive compounds like flavonoids,
alkaloids, and antioxidants. With growing concerns about nutritional
deficiencies, particularly in regions relying on starch-based foods,
exploring wild edible plants like *Centella asiatica* offers potential for
nutritional and therapeutic benefits.

4. Rational Of The Study
**Rationale for Study:***Centella asiatica* (Gotu Kola), a herbaceous plant from the
Apiaceae family, is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions, where it grows in
swampy areas. Despite its traditional use in treating various ailments and as a
vegetable, there is a lack of scientific knowledge regarding its nutritional value and
bioactive components.
This gap has limited the plant's potential application in food and pharmaceutical
industries.Given the increasing demand for natural, nutrient-rich, and medicinal
plants, it is essential to evaluate the nutritional composition and phytochemical
properties of *Centella asiatica*. Understanding the plant’s macro and micronutrient
content, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and its bioactive compounds
(including flavonoids, tannins, and essential fatty acids), could unlock its broader use
in promoting human health and well-being.
This study was designed to investigate the nutrient content and phytochemical
composition of *Centella asiatica* leaves using standard methods, aiming to highlight
its potential as a valuable resource for both nutrition and pharmaceutical
development.

5. Objectives
Genarel objectives :-
To assess Nutrient and Phytochemical Composition of Centella asiatica
Leaves
Specific Objectives :-
>To assess Proximate
composition of Centella asiatica
leaves.
>To assess Physicochemical
composition of Centella asiatica
leaves.

6. Materials & Methods
Collection of Plant Material and Identification:
Collected Centella asiatica leaves from Bonny Island, Nigeria.
Identified by Dr. Chimezie Ekeke, University of Port-Harcourt.

Preparation of Plant Sample:
Cleaned, dried leaves at room temperature for 14 days.
Pulverized, stored in an airtight container.
Determination of Proximate Composition:
Moisture: Air dried at 25-28°C for 14 days.
Protein: Micro-Kjeldahl method.
Lipid: Soxhlet extraction.
Ash: Muffle furnace at 550°C for 4 hours.
Fiber: Saura-Calixto method.
Carbohydrates: By difference.

7. Determination of Fatty Acid Composition:
Extract 10g powdered sample with 300 mL n-hexane for 24h using
Soxhlet.
Evaporate to dryness at 40°C with rotary evaporator.
Dissolve residue in chloroform, evaporate, add benzene-methanol
reagent.
Extract with hexane and analyze by GC/MS.
Determination of Physicochemical Properties:
Measured refractive index, density, viscosity, acid value, peroxide value,
iodine value, saponification value, free fatty acid, and thiobarbituric acid
by AOAC methods.

8. Determination of Amino Acid Composition:
Hydrolyze 0.1g sample with 6N HCl at 110°C for 24h.
Filter the hydrolyzed content.
Derivatize with methanol-water-phenyl isocyanate.
Perform gradient elution chromatography with aqueous buffer and acetonitrile-water.
GC-FID Identification and Quantification of Phytochemical Constituents:
Extract 1g Centella asiatica powder with ethanol and potassium hydroxide, heat at
60°C.
Wash extract with various solvents, dry with sodium sulfate, and evaporate solvent.
Dissolve extract in pyridine and analyze by GC-FID.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was
used to process and analyze the data obtained. Values were
expressed as means ± standard error mean (SEM).

9. RESULTS
Table 1:
Results of the proximate composition of Centella asiatica leaves
are contained in Table 1. Carbohydrate (43.81 ± 0.70%) was highest
followed by crude fiber (17.00 ± 1.87%) and ash (16.55 ±
0.45%) contents.
Proximate Composition Concentration (%)
Moisture 13.10 ± 1.07
Ash 16.55 ± 0.45
Protien 8.35 ± 1.28
Lipid 1.20 ± 0.10
Fibre 17.00 ± 1.87
Carbohydrate 43.81 ± 0.70

10. Results of the physicochemical properties of the Centella asiatica leaves are
presented in Table 2. The saponification value was highest (238.43 mg/kOH) while
the free fatty acid content had the least value (0.56%).
Table 2: Physicochemical composition of Centella asiatica leaves.
Parameter Concentration
Saponification value
(mg/KOH)
236.43 ± 2.13
Peroxide value (mEq/kg) 26.80 ± 0.13
Acid value (%) 1.12 ± 0.10
Free Fatty Acid (%) 0.56 ± 0.01
Iodine value (g I2/100g)62.60 ± 1.07
Refractive index (at 40°C)1.42 ± 0.11
Viscosity (Pa.S) 0.99 ± 0.00
Density (g/mL) 0.97 ± 0.04
Thiobarbituric acid (mg/kg)
1.92 ± 0.05

11. Figure: Phytochemical composition of Centella asiatica leaves.

12. Discussion
Proximate Analysis: Centella asiatica leaves are rich in carbohydrates,
crude fiber, and ash. Carbohydrates are the main nutrient, supporting
energy and mineral intake. High fiber content benefits digestive health
by aiding toxin removal and cholesterol control.
Physicochemical Properties: High saponification and iodine values
suggest potential for soap-making and indicate non-drying oil. Low
peroxide and free fatty acid values signal stable, high-quality oil. The
refractive index is useful for detecting adulteration.
Fatty Acid Profile: Main fatty acids are palmitic and lauric (saturated)
and linoleic (unsaturated). Palmitic acid’s cholesterol effects are
balanced by linolenic acid, and lauric acid may prevent tooth decay.

13. Amino Acids: Contains ten essential and eight non-essential amino
acids. Key amino acids include histidine, lysine, isoleucine, and
phenylalanine, essential for growth, immunity, and health.
Phytochemicals: High levels of steroids, phenols, proanthocyanins,
and rutin indicate strong antioxidant and therapeutic potential,
offering benefits such as wound recovery and antimicrobial activity.

14. The result of the present investigation revealed that Centella
asiatica leaves are rich sources of nutrients such as carbohydrate,
crude fiber, ash and proteins. Most of the amino acids found
were essential amino acids while the physiochemical properties
revealed high saponification value and stability to rancidity. The
leaves are rich in bioactive components that possess wide range
of biological activity and therapeutic value.
CONCLUSION

15. REFERENCES
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16. Thank You