Copyright © 2016 UsunobunUsunomena, Ekpemupolo I. Samuel. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribu- tion License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. International Journal of Scientific World, 4 (1) (2016) 19-22 International Journal of Scientific World Website: www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJSW doi: 10.14419/ijsw.v4i1.6064 Research paper Phytochemical analysis, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves Usunobun Usunomena*, Ekpemupolo I. Samuel Department of Basic sciences (Biochemistry unit), Faculty of Basic and Applied sciences, Benson Idahosa University, P.M.B 1100, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria *Corresponding author E-mail:uusunobun@biu.edu.ng Abstract Background: Celosia argentea, a traditional vegetable in West and Central Africa is widely grown for ornamental purpose in the tropics and subtropics such as in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to determine phytochemicals, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves. Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures, Mineral analysis was carried out using Atom- ic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while antioxidant potential, free radical scavenging and reducing power scavenging activity were also carried out. Results: The phytochemical composition revealed the presence of active ingredients such as glycosides, steroids, Saponins, Phenols, Flavonoids, and alkaloids while mineral analysis showed higher concentration in calcium (295mg/100g) and least concentration in chro- mium (0.85mg/100g). Other minerals and their concentrations includes magnesium (122.53mg/100g), potassium (128.33mg/100g), sodi- um (71.32mg/100g), iron (35.16mg/100g), zinc (5.42mg/100g), copper (2.18mg/100g), manganese (1.86mg/100g). Moreover, DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity and reducing power activity of Celosia argentea increased as the concentration increas- es. Conclusion: The present study reveals therapeutic potential of Celosia argentea leaves due to its bioactive compounds and minerals. Also, Celosia argentea possess powerful antioxidant activity and can therefore offer good protection against oxidative damage. Keywords: Celosia argentea; DPPH; Minerals; Phytochemicals; Reducing Power. 1. Introduction Celosia argentea is an annual herbaceous vegetable of the family Amaranthaceae known as sokoyokoto among the Yorubas in- south-western Nigeria. The leaves and stems are cooked into soups, sauces or stew with other ingredients [1]. In lndia, the leaves mixed with honey are applied to inflated areas and the seeds are used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus [2]. In south- east Asia, the flowers are used as medicine for dysentery, haemop- tysis and menstruation problems [1].In Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo the seeds are used as medicine for the treat- ment of diarrhea, dysentery and muscle troubles [3-4]. In Kenya, the Masai use its liquid extract as a bodywash for convalescents [5]. Externally, Celosia argentea functions as a disinfectant as well as treat inflammation [6], dysuria, poultices for broken bones [7], ailment for eyes and liver [8], mouth sore, blood diseases, and others [9]. The aim of this work is to determine the phytochemi- cals, mineral composition and in vitro antioxidant activities of Celosia argentea leaves. 2. Materials and methods 2.1. Collection, identification and preparation of plant materials Fresh leaves of Celosia argentea were collected from a local farm in south eastern part of Nigeria. Identification and authentication were carried out after which the leaves were washed and air dried at room temperature for three (3) weeks. The dried leaves were grounded into fine powder using an electric blender and stored in a cool dry container until use for analysis. 2.2. Phytochemical analysis Qualitative phytochemical screening to determine the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins phenols, anthraquinones, flavonoid and glycosides using standard methods as described by [10-14] were carried out. 2.3. Mineral analysis Mineral analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spec- trophotometer (AAS) as previously done by Usunobun and Okolie, [15-16]. 2.4. Determination of reducing power ability The reducing power activity of Celosia argentea leaves was car- ried out using the reducing power method. A mixture containing 2.5 ml of 0.2 M phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) and 2.5 ml of K 3 Fe(CN) 6 (1% w/v) was added to 1.0 ml of stock Celosia ar- gentea leaves filtrate (0.2–1.0 mg/ml) prepared in distilled water.