EVALUATION OF ESSENTIAL TRACE METALS ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY OF THE LEAVES OF NEWBOULDIA LAEVIS

Trace elements are essential and play basic roles in a variety of processes essential for life. Their deficiency poses a serious problem that can affect the normal functioning of the immune system, especially in viral respiratory infections. Zinc and Copper are among the possible supportive treatments for COVID-19 infection due to their impact on the antiviral. Despite the increased use of the leaves of Newbouldia laevis for the treatment of a number of several diseases, the chemotherapeutic role of the inorganic constituents is still not clear. In this study fresh leaves samples of Newbouldia laevis were collected and prepared using 50 ml of a tri-acid mixture of HNO 3 , HClO 4 , and H 2 SO 4 in the ratio of 25:4:2 respectively. The solution was then transferred into a 50 ml volumetric flask and made up to mark with distilled water. The levels of magnesium, iron, zinc, cobalt and copper were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Concentrations of Zn were obtained and lie between 1.5306 to 1.5641 μg/g, and were found to be uniformly distributed in the five sampling sites. In addition, high concentrations of Fe in these leaves indicated the enhanced absorption of mineral iron and larger cryptoporosity, which implies retention and mobility of hydrophobic organic compounds. No risk to the consumers because the mean concentrations were below the permissible limit recommended by the health authority. The presence of trace elements could support the claims for the use of this plant to cure some of the reported ailments.