Trace metal, FTIR and phytochemical analysis of Viscum album leaves harvested from Pentaclethra macrophylla

The leaves of mistletoe (Viscum album) harvested from oil bean tree (Pentaclethra macrophylla) in Imo State South Eastern Nigeria was studied. The study was aimed at carrying out trace metal, Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) and phytochemical analysis of ethanol leave extracts of Viscum album harvested from Pentaclethra macrophylla. The sample for trace metal analysis was digested with a mixture of concentrated HNO3 and HClO4 at a ratio of 1:1 for 24 hours. Ethanol was then used to extract the sample meant for FTIR and phytochemical analysis. Herein, trace metal determination indicates the presence of Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Cr, and the concentration of Ca and Mn is at < 0.00 mg/kg. The result of the phytochemical screening demonstrates the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins and tannins. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohols, amides, aromatics and carbonyl compounds in ethanol extracts of Viscum album harvested from Pentaclethra macrophylla. The presence of some trace metals and phytochemicals, as well as some important functional groups in the plant sample, as indicated by the result of the study, authenticates its use in traditional medicine.