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