PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF STONEBREAKER LEAVES
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the proximate and mineral composition of Phyllanthus niruri (Stonebreaker) leaves to evaluate their nutritional and therapeutic potential. The proximate analysis revealed moderate levels of moisture (13%), crude fat (11%), ash (9%), crude protein (6.56%), and a notably high fiber (18%) and carbohydrate (42.44%) content, indicating that the plant could serve as both a nutritional and medicinal resource. The mineral analysis showed high concentrations of calcium (527.5 mg/100 g), magnesium (114.8 mg/100 g), and potassium (94.9 mg/100 g), alongside trace amounts of iron, zinc, copper, and manganese. These minerals are essential for bone health, metabolism, immune function, and cardiovascular regulation. The findings support the traditional use of P. niruri as a natural remedy and suggest that its bioactive and nutritional components contribute to its therapeutic efficacy.
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