COMPARATIVE PROXIMATE AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS (LEMON GRASS) AND MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPER MINT
Abstract
This study presents a comparative evaluation of the proximate composition and elemental constituents of *Cymbopogon citratus* (lemongrass) and *Mentha piperita* (peppermint), two widely utilized medicinal and aromatic plants. Standard analytical procedures were employed to determine key proximate parameters, including moisture content, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrate. Elemental analysis was conducted to quantify essential minerals such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), and trace elements. The results revealed notable variations between the two plant species. *Cymbopogon citratus* exhibited higher carbohydrate and fiber content, indicating its potential as a dietary supplement for digestive health and energy provision. In contrast, *Mentha piperita* showed relatively higher protein and ash content, suggesting a richer mineral profile and greater nutritional density. Elemental analysis indicated that both plants are valuable sources of essential minerals, although their concentrations differed significantly, reflecting species-specific nutrient accumulation patterns. The findings highlight the nutritional and medicinal importance of these plants and support their inclusion in functional foods, herbal remedies, and nutraceutical formulations. The study concludes that both *Cymbopogon citratus* and *Mentha piperita* possess considerable health benefits, with distinct compositional advantages that can be harnessed for diverse applications in food science and phytomedicine.
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