Physicochemical and UV-Visible Screening of Aqueous Wood ash Extracts of Locust Bean, Shea Butter Mango and Cashew Trees

Abstract

aqueous extract of wood ash is used by some ethnic groups in Nigeria especially Nupes and Gbagyisnto prepare foos for preservation and other purposes. In the recent past, the use of chemical additives has gained ground. The recent call for green revolution and natural products intervention necessitates reverse actions. This study, therefore aimed at determination physicochemical properties of the ashes obtained from four different plants and at investigating the beneficial and/or detrimental effect on the consumers. The extract were screened for the presence of bioactive constituents, mineral elements abd for UV-Visible absorption. The alkalinity was found pH 13.00, 12.66, 11.07 and 10.51 in the order of Parkia biglobosa, Vitalleria paradoxa, Mangifera indica and Anacardium occidentale. Saponin was the only phytochemical found in ashes. A strong UV absorption was observed at 225-325nm which is attridutable to the only phytochemical found. A occidentale which produced highest aqueos extract to ash recovery (i.e, y/x ratio 76.32%) ratio was also found to have highest composition of Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Phosphorus( Na=21250, Mg=618, Mn=620 and P=620 mg/L), highest UV absorbing components and mildest pH , 10.51. We hereby recommend that attention should be directed towards ash obtained from A. occidentale (cashew tree) for medicinal and industrial uses. Conclusively, the physicohemical properties of the extract are beneficial to the health of the consumers in question and this sutdy supports the use wood ash extract as practiced by Nupes and Gbagyis.