Abstract

---

Phytochemical and trace metal analyses of selected local spices plants: curry (Hyptis suaveolens), tea bush (Ocimum bassillicum), betel vine (Gongronnema latifolium) and climbing black pepper (Piper guineense) were performed using standard analytical methods in order to ascertain their curative properties in terms of Phytochemical contents and suitability for human consumption in terms of trace metal contents. From the results, phlobatatannins, saponins, reducing sugars, tannins, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids were either absent or present in high, moderate or trace amount in all the spices analysed for phytochemicals. A total of eight trace metals (Zn, Mn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni and As) were analysed. The results indicated that the levels of trace metals analysed in Hyptis suaveolens ranged from 0.59 ± 0.10mg/kg As to 119.4± 0.25 mg/kg Zn. In Ocimum bassillicum, the trace metal levels ranged from 0.93± 0.02mg/kg As to 129.50± 0.15mg/kg Zn. In Gongronnema latifolium, the trace metal levels ranged from 0.68± 0.02mg/kg As to 116.30 ± 0.20 mg/kg Zn, while in Piper guineense, the trace metal levels ranged from 0.48± 0.02mg/kg As to 101.70 ± 0.20 mg/kg Zn. It was observed that most of the trace metal levels in the spices plants analysed in this study were within the WHO acceptable levels of such trace metals in plants. Going by the entire results, it could be concluded that these spices plants contain many useful phytochemicals which have preventive or disease protective properties. Hence the plants could be used locally for curing or prevention of various diseases as well as the production of new drugs for curing of such diseases and their consumption would not pose health hazards in terms of trace metal contents.

---