PHYTOCHEMICALS AND PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF WATER-TREATED SICKLE POD (Cassia tora) LEAF FROM DIFFERENT AGRICULTURAL ZONES OF BAUCHI SOUTH

Abstract

The study evaluates the proximate composition, phytochemical content, and anti-nutritional factors of C. tora leaves sourced from four locations in Bauchi South—Bauchi metropolis (Sp1), Alkaleri (Sp2), Toro (Sp3) and Dass (Sp4). Cassia tora, commonly known as "Sickle senna" or "tora" is a medicinal plant that is widely used in ethno-veterinary medicine across several cultures. The leaves of this plant are particularly valued for their health benefits and are used in various medicinal preparations. In this experiment, samples of Cassia tora leaves were collected from different agricultural zones {Bauchi metropolis (Sp1), Alkaleri (Sp2), Toro (Sp3) and Dass (Sp4)} of Bauchi south respectively. The leaves were grinded, packaged and labeled as Sp1, Sp2, Sp3 and Sp4 respectively. Proximate compositions of the leaves encompassing the levels of moisture, ash, crude protein, lipid (EE), crude fiber and metabolizable energy (ME) content were determined.  Significance difference (p < 0.05) was shown across the sample points with regard to crude protein, Nitrogen free extract (NFE) and ME. Cassia tora of Alkaleri (Sp2) was highest (28.91%) in terms of % crude protein values followed by Sp4 (24.47%), Sp1 (24.09%) and Sp3 (24.04%) respectively. Other parameters (CF, Moisture, EE, DM and ash) observed to be statistically non-significant (P>0.05) across the groups (Sp1, Sp2, Sp3, and Sp4). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as: flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, and saponins across all the groups with the exception of alkaloids and anthraquinones in Sp1, Sp2 and Sp3 correspondingly. The experiment also examined some anti-nutritional factors among the phytochemicals present in Cassia tora leaves. Phytic acid as well as oxalates were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Sp1, Sp2 and SP4 across the groups examined. Tannin was significantly (P > 0.05) higher in Sp3 (1.53g/100g) followed by Sp2 (1.26mg/100g) across the specimen groups analyzed. It can be concluded that Cassia tora leaves of Bauchi metropolis have great potentialities as protein source as well as phyto-additives for improving animal health and productivity. Further research should be carried out to determine the effects of Cassia tora leaves on digestibility and growth performance by animals.