ABSTRACT
Research study was carried out in the University of Calabar to determine the proximate composition and phytochemical profile of Justiciasecundavahl in the Calabar agroecology. Justiciasecundavahl was identified and collected in two different locations in Calabar metropolis and prepared for laboratory extraction of phytochemicals and proximate composition analysis. The Justiciasecundavahl plants were prepared into fine powder and transported to laboratory for qualitative and quantitative determination of their phytochemical contents and proximate compositions. All quantitative and qualitative extractions analyses were done in duplicates. The data obtained from extractions of qualitative and quantitative attributes were subjected to simple descriptive statistics using simple percentages and charts. The results of phytochemical analysis revealed that Tannins (117.89 mg/g), polyphenols (66.20 mg/g) and saponins (72.95 mg/g) were the most abundant phytochemicals in the medicinal plant. Ethanol extraction was more effective in the yield of phytochemicals compared to aqueous extraction. Nutritionally, the study also showed that the medicinal plant contained more CHO (24.00%), followed by Ash (19.00%), Fat (18.00%), protein (12.40% and fibre (8.00%). The study recommended the use of Justiciasecundavahlas raw materials for the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and for other medicinal/curative purposes because it contains a wide range of all the phytochemicals and in high proportions.
