Proximate and elemental composition of securidaca longepedunculata fresen root bark

This study is aimed at investigating the proximate contents and concentrations of some micro/macro elements of the root bark of Securidaca longepedunculata Fresen with the view of validating its used medicinally by man in the treatment of cough, headache, arthritis, diarrhoea, rheumatism, inflammation and host of other as commonly known in Hausa uwar magunguna mother of medicine. The root bark were collected from Dalwa viliage of Konduga, Borno State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis was done following methods of Association of official Analytical Chemist and the results showed that Dry matter had (94.5%), Carbohydrate (89.28%), Nitrogen free extract (64.74%), Crude fiber (30.0%), Moisture (5.5%), Fats(2.1%), Ash (2.0%) and Protein(1.22%). The levels of 12 elements (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, and Pb.) were determined using the smart spectrophotometer. The results of the study in both proximate and elemental concentrations of the root bark of Sucuridaca longepedunculata Fresen were mostly found within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization.