Nutritional and antinutritional composition of Synsepalum dulcificum seeds

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to explore the nutritional (proximate, mineral, vitamin) and antinutritional compositions of Synsepalumdulcificum seeds.Method: proximate, mineral, vitamin and antinutritional compositions were evaluated inSynsepalum dulcificum seeds using standard procedures.Results: Proximate composition of the seeds showed moisture content (44.30 ± 0.26%), ash (1.44 ± 0.14%), crude fat (1.33 ± 0.58%), crude fibre (1.30 ± 0.26%), protein (12.32 ± 0.10%) and carbohydrates (39.31 ± 0.57%). Mineral analysis of the seeds showed the presence of some elements such as potassium, sodium, manganese, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Result of the vitamin analysis showed that the seeds contain vitamin C (4.84 ± 0.95mg/g), vitamin A (3.02 ± 0.47 mg/g) and vitamin E (0.47± 0.01mg/g). The antinutritional parameters analyzed were oxalate (8.42 ± 1.63%), phytate (4.57 ± 0.48%) and hemagglutinin (3.74 ± 0.01%).Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that S. dulcificum seeds have appreciable nutritional contents (such as protein, minerals and vitamins) that are of immense health benefits and low antinutrient content. Further studies aimed at the utilization of this seed in human and livestock nutrition is warranted.