Comparative Chemical Analyses of Vernonia amygdalina and Azadirachta indica Leaves

The chemical and elemental constituents of Vernonia amygdalina and Azadirachta indica leaves were investigated. Phytochemical analysis was determined by the methods of Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The trace elements and macronutrients concentrations of both samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Vernonia amygdalina leaves recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of flavonoids, saponins and caroteinoids while Azadirachta indica leaves had higher levels of alkaloids, glycosides, phenols and steroids. Vernonia amygdalina also recorded higher concentrations of zinc, iron, and manganese while there were higher levels of nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, silicon and lead in the leaves of Azadirachta indica. There were higher levels (mg/100g) of potassium, sodium and phosphorus in Azadirachta indica which recorded 0.843 ± 0.019, 0.301 ± 0.047 and 0.280 ± 0.002 respectively with corresponding values in Vernonia amygdalina as 0.710 ± 0.016, 0.334 ± 0.006 and 0.382 ± 0.006. The results showed that both leaves contained varying concentrations of chemical, elemental and macronutrient components. They can serve as good sources of useful elements. The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina could have better anti-oxidant properties than Azadirachta indica leaves.