Phytochemical Screening and Spectrophotometric Determination of the Nutritional Value of Eruca-Sativa

Abstract

Eruca sativa, or rocket, is one of the most valuable members of the Brassicaceae family, which mostly originated in different parts of Middle East and Mediterranean countries. It has been used as a powerful source of many active compounds that might be used for therapeutic purposes. The aim of this study is to assess some essential minerals available in Eruca sativa leaves. Phytochemical screening was performed to investigate the nutrition values in Eruca sativa leaves in addition to investigating the level of potassium, iron, and calcium in ethanolic extract of rocket (Eruca sativa) leaves using flame atomic emission photometry for potassium and atomic absorption spectroscopy for iron and calcium. The phytochemical study reveals the absence of alkaloids and carbohydrates in ethanolic extract of Eruca sativa leaves, while all components show positive tests with methanol and ethanol. The analytical data showed a linearity range of (0.5 to 10), (0.5-50), and (10-50) ppm for iron, calcium, and potassium respectively. The used spectrophotometric method offers rapid, efficient and direct determination of Fe, Ca and K.