Abstract

Phyllanthus niruri, a member of the Phyllantaceae family, is a small sized herb with a wide range of medicinal properties. It is utilized globally for managing and treating various conditions. In Nigeria, it is incorporated into the ayurvedic system of medicine for addressing diabetes, urinary tract issues, asthma, cough, and fever. The objective of this research is to evaluate the mineral composition of Phyllanthus niruri plant extracts in both aqueous and ethanol forms. The extracts were obtained through the use of ethanol and water, and their mineral content was analyzed using established procedures. The analysis of Phyllanthus niruri leaf extracts in aqueous and ethanol form revealed the presence of Zn, Fe, Na, Mn, K, Mg, Ca, and Cu in a natural blend. Nevertheless, the aqueous extract exhibited a greater concentration compared to the ethanol extract. Potassium levels were notably higher in the aqueous extracts at 542.371 ppm, in contrast to the ethanol extract at 6.036 ppm. On the other hand, Iron, Calcium, and Sodium levels were lower in the aqueous extract but higher in the ethanol extract. This suggests that the aqueous solution had a higher efficiency in extracting these minerals. The findings indicate the potential of P. niruri leaf extract and provide evidence to support its usefulness in the fields of medicine and nutrition.