Proximate Composition, Mineral Analysis and Phytochemical Characterization of an Ethnomedicinal Plant Sphenodesme Involucrata Var. Paniculata (C.B. Clarke) Munir

The study on Sphenodesme involucrata var. paniculata highlights its potential as an ethnomedicinal plant due to its rich bioactive components. Proximate analysis revealed a high carbohydrate content (60.80 ± 0.06) and low fat content (0.80 ± 0.01). Mineral analysis showed a high concentration of calcium (1269.00 ± 1.15) and low zinc (1.60 ± 0.12). GC-MS and LC-MS analyses identified several important compounds, including Phytol, squalene, cepharanthine, and isoacteoside, among others. The presence of these nutrients and secondary metabolites supports the plant's traditional medicinal use and suggests it is safe and healthy for consumption.