PROXIMATE ANALYSIS, ANTI-NUTRIENT AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF Piper umbellatum Linn LEAVES

Piper umbellatum Lin is among the plants widely used as spice and in herbal medicine for treating and managing different ailments. The proximate, anti-nutrients and mineral compositions of the leaves of Piper umbellatum were evaluated by means of standard methods. The results of the proximate analysis showed a high crude fibre level (34.75), high amount of crude protein (19.90%), moderate ash (11.10%), less than 10% crude fat (6.70), carbohydrate (20.05%) and moisture (7.50). The mineral composition unveiled high concentrations of potassium (58.17±0.05mg/kg), calcium (23.77±0.03mg/kg), phosphorus (19.12±0.05mg/kg) and iron (13.22±0.05mg/kg). The phytate (13.28±0.14mg/100g) level was higher than oxalate (2.60±0.23mg/100g). The result thus indicates that, Piper umbellatum Linn leaves are rich in fibre, carbohydrate, proteins and mineral elements and can contribute significantly to the nutrient requirements of man. The phytate and oxalate content of the matured leaves of Piper umbellatum may not impair the bioavailability of calcium, zinc and iron.