Asian Journal of Applied Chemistry Research

This study investigates the proximate composition and mineral content of mango (Mangifera indica) and guava (Psidium guajava) leaves collected from Ondo State, Nigeria, which invariable revealed some of their nutritional and potential therapeutic value. The percentage moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude protein and carbohydrate content of the guava leaves under study are 8.13±0.10, 9.33±0.07, 6.08±0.05, 22.84±1.02,10.83±0.47 and 42.60±0.15 respectively while that of mango leaves were found to be 7.64±0.08, 10.15± 0.10, 3.69± 0.04, 19.65± 0.10, 8.64±0.12 and 50.07±0.60. Guava leaves are higher in moisture, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein, making them richer in lipids, structural components, and proteins. Mango leaves are higher in ash content and carbohydrates, indicating more mineral matter and energy-providing compounds. The mineral composition(mg/100g) of both guava and mango leaves under study are as follows: Calcium (395.80±0.4048; 240.35±0.13), Magnesium (100.35±0.1756; 95.5±0.32), Potassium (51.75±1.0259; 498.60±0.28), Sodium (9.50±0.05;11.46±0.07), Iron (6.66±0.1058; 5.63±0.08), Zinc (2.16±0.0504; 1.25±0.05) .Guava Leaves possessed higher calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc content while the amount of potassium in mango is Significantly higher and sodium content is slightly higher. The higher mineral content of the guava leaves suggests their usefulness as dietary supplements for managing nutrient deficiencies, while the high carbohydrate content of mango leaves indicate their potential as energy boosters. This comparative study affirm the ethnomedicinal relevance of these plants and advocates for their incorporation into functional food and nutraceutical product development.