Phytochemical Screening and Quantitative Biochemical Assessment of Acacia Nilotica (Flowers and Leaves)

Abstract

Acacia nilotica tree has multipurpose benefits known as the most exclusive source of life saving and herbal drugs worldwide. This plant is significant due to presence of useful natural organic groups like alkaloids, flavonoids, Tannins, phenols, Tannis, Saponins, proteins, carbohydrates and amino acids. The present study aim is to identify the presence of secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, Tannins, phenols, Tannis, Saponins, proteins, carbohydrates and amino acids by ethanol extracts methods from local Acacia nilotica. The extract results revealed that aqueous extract of flowers showed maximum concentration of total protein (16.8mg/g) compared to leaves (3.2mg/g) whereas flowers of Acacia showed more concentration of carbohydrates i-e 80mg/g as compared to leaves (60mg/g). The present study also confirmed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, Tannins, phenols, Tannis, Saponins and amino acids, Along heavy metals like Nickle (Ni),Chromium(Cr),Zinc(Zn),Cobalt(Co),Cadium(Cd),Copper(Cu),Manganese(Mn)and Iron(Fe). The most perilous metal like Fe (3.97ppm), Cd (below detection limit) and Mn (0.06ppm) were detected within the permissible limit in acacia flower. Concentration of other metals like Zn, Ni, Co, Fe and Cr found in acacia flower i-e 973ppb, 138ppb, 35ppb, 3.97ppm and 259ppb respectively. Thus phytochemical study of Acacia Nilotica indicates that the flowers and leaves are potential source of proteins and carbohydrate and rich in phytochemicals among both extracts but due to bioaccumulation of heavy metals in acacia, the plant usage should be limited as herbal medicines because it may leave hazardous effects upon human health.