Proximate and Elemental Composition of Methanolic Extract of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. (Frankincense Tree: Burseracea)

This study is aimed at investigating the proximate contents, concentrations of some micro/macro elements and anions of the stem bark and leaves of B. dalzielii with the view of validating its use as forage and medicinal by man in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and in wound healing. The stem bark and leaves of B. dalzielii were collected from Bagale-Giere Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis was conducted following methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists and the results showed that the stem bark had the higher dry matter (90.94 %), nitrogen free extract (54.13 %), crude fibre (30.65 %), and ash (8.34 %), while crude proteins (4.63 %), fats (21.20 %), carbohydrates (57.76 %) and moisture content (12.41 %) were estimated to be higher in the leaves of this plant. The levels of 11 elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the anions (nitrates, phosphates and sulphates) were estimated using smart spectrophotometer. The results revealed higher concentrations of macro elements and microelements in the leaves sample except for Cr concentration which was higher (4.0 x 10-5 0.00) mg/g in the stem bark than in the leaves (3.80 x 10-5 0.01) mg/g. In both the samples Pb was not detected. The concentrations of nitrates, phosphates and sulphates were higher in the leaves (1.52 x 10-2, 4.0 x 10-3, 1.33 x 10-2) mg/g than the stem bark (1.40 x 10-2, 3.0 x 10-4, 1.24 x 10-2) mg/g respectively. The proximate, elemental and anions concentrations for these parts of B. dalzielii were mostly found within the permissible limit set by World Health Organization.