Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Composition, and Antioxidant Activities of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Found in Ado-ekiti, Nigeria

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in Indian cooking, likewise in Southern part of Nigeria (majorly Ekiti and Ondo state) and in herbal remedies. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been a widely used medicinal plant which belongs to Zingiberaceae family. This Study is based on the determination of antioxidant properties, proximate, phytochemical compositions, vitamins, minerals and nutritional composition of turmeric found in Ado-Ekiti Nigeria, using various standard methods. From the proximate analysis, it was discovered that turmeric contains 9.29% moisture, 7.4% ash, 12.48% crude fiber, 11.39% fat, 20.62% crude protein, and 38.29% carbohydrate. The phytochemical screening result shows that saponins, tannins, steroid, flavonoid, alkaloid, phlobatanins, and terpenoids are present while anthraquinone is absent in the rhizome. Also, mineral such as Zn, Fe, Cu, Na, K and Mg were present in considerable amount. The presence of glycoside was also determined. The free radical scavenging activities of turmeric was determined. This was carried out by determining free radical scavenging abilities using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The content of phenols and total flavonoids were determined also. The present report revealed that powdered turmeric rhizome has antioxidant potential, rich in important minerals and thus it can be good supplement in foods.