Proximate Analysis, Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Evaluation, and Biological Activity of Litchi chinensis Sonn. Leaves

The nutritive value, proximate analysis, phytochemical constituents, and biological activity of Litchi chinensis leaves were investigated. Proximate analysis revealed carbohydrate (72.547%), crude fiber (31.041%), protein (12.751%), and fat (2.022%) and a nutritive value of 359.390 Kcal.100 g−1 of leaves. Phytochemical screening showed that leaves contained a number of medicinally active secondary metabolites while acetone extract contains highest phenolic content (35.729 mg GAE.100 g−1dw). 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that leaves were potent free radical scavenger. Highest free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 41.00 mg.L−1) and ferric reducing capacity (772.926 mM.L−1, FRAP value = 1.964) was shown by acetone extract.