Phytochemical, antioxidant, proximate and FTIR analysis of Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. extracts using selected solvents

Calopo (Calopogonium mucunoides Desv.), a vigorous, hairy annual trailing legume, is a cover crop in tropical tree plantations. In this study, the aerial part of calopo was extracted separately using hexane, ethylacetate and methanol. The phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined.  The nutritional value of the plant was determined by proximate analysis. The FTIR analysis was also carried out. Estimation of the phytochemical and nutritional analysis was done using the standard laboratory methods. The results showed that the total phenolic content of C. mucunoides was the highest (4.29 ± 0.032 mg/g). Antioxidant activity was highest in the methanol extract (65-71% inhibition). Proximate analysis revealed a high protein content (20.54%); ash content (9.86%); Fibre (21.42%); Lipid (18.62%) and carbohydrate content (21.56%). The FTIR analysis showed a broad band at 3392-3353 cm-1 representing bonding –OH groups. The peak around 2924-2918cm-1 represents aliphatic chains, -CH2- and –CH3. The peak around 1623 cm-1 (from methanol and hexane extract only) corresponds to C=O stretch. The peak observed at 1515 cm-1 (from ethylacetate extract) corresponds to the secondary amine group. Results from this study shows the plant contains significant phytochemical compounds and using appropriate solvent, it may serve as a source for the development of novel drugs for the treatment of various diseases as claimed by its traditional uses. The plant is also of high nutritional value, especially due to its high protein and fibre content, and therefore, may be used in feed formulation.