Research Article - (2011) Volume 2, Issue 3
Nutritional and phytochemical screening of leaves and seeds of Senna obtusifolia were investigated. Phytoconstituents present in the seeds and leaves observed were tannins, flavonoids, steroids and phylobatannins. Terpenoids and alkaloids were found only in the plant leaves. Saponins were only found in the seeds. Flavonoids were observed to be more abundant in seed extract (99%) than in leaves extract (66%). Alkaloids absent in seeds and only 33% in leaves. Both leaves and seeds showed sufficient mineral elements: - Ca, N, Cu, and Na with good nutritive value and rich in carbohydrates and proteins but low in fat. The seeds and leaves of this plant showed high nutritive value with maximum percentages of important minerals. This can be used in healthcare during anemic conditions. The high percentage of carbohydrate in seeds than leaves can be exploited in feed formulation for livestock
