Proximate, Phytochemical and Mineral Assessment of Cymbopogon citratus Leaf

Abstract

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass is an aromatic perennial grass widely used as a culinary spice, herbal beverage and traditional medicinal plant. This study assessed the proximate, phytochemical and mineral composition of C. citratus leaves. The proximate composition showed moisture content of 10.93%, ash 18.86%, fat 9.98%, protein 10.92%, crude fibre 21.51% and carbohydrate 27.80% respectively. The phytochemical analysis indicated phenolic compounds as the most abundant quantified constituent (428.79 mg/100 g), followed by flavonoids (121.11 mg/100 g), saponins (120.80 mg/100 g) and alkaloids (11.98 mg/100 g). The mineral analysis revealed manganese (2.57 ± 0.04 mg/100 g) and calcium (2.14 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) as the most abundant minerals, followed by potassium (0.64 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), sodium (0.41 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), copper (0.39 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), iron (0.11 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.03 ± 0.03 mg/100 g )respectively. The results demonstrate that C. citratus leaves contain appreciable nutritional components and bioactive phytochemicals, together with several essential minerals. The presence of saponins and alkaloids warrants consideration of anti nutritional effects of C. citratus.. Recent studies similarly confirm the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins and diverse mineral elements in lemongrass. Overall, C. citratus leaves have potential as a proximate and phytochemical resource, although further studies on mineral bioavailability, anti-nutritional factors, toxicity and processing effects are recommended.