Asian Food Science Journal

Aim: This work attempts to determine the bioactive agents’ groups probably responsible for the diverse growth characteristics and medicinal uses of (Tetracarpidium conophorum) Nigerian walnut.

Methodology: The following analyses were carried out in the study proximate, phytochemical and mineral were analyzed.

Results: The result for proximate analysis of the raw and cooked walnut seed extract contained the following parameters 42.57% and 40.91% moisture content, 20.54% and 23.03% protein, 4.51% and 4.27% Fat content, 7.26% and 7.05% crude fiber, 5.02% and 5.16% Ash content, 20.12% and 19.59% carbohydrate respectively. The phytochemical analysis results obtained revealed the presence of bioactive compounds containing 0.92 mg/100 g Tannin, 1.69 mg/100 g Saponin, 2.78 mg/100 g Flavonoid, 0.41 mg/100 g Alkaloid for cooked walnut while raw walnut contained 1.10 mg/100 g Tannin, 3.09 mg/100 g Oxalate, 2.63 mg/100 g Phytate, 3.43 mg/100 g Saponin, 3.19 mg/100 g Flavonoid and 1.34 mg/100 g Alkaloid. This study has shown the phytochemical, mineral and proximate compositions of boiled Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds.

Conclusion: The study revealed that the boiled seeds contain concentrations of alkaloids and also contain moderate quantities of tannins. These bioactive compounds could be responsible for the reported medicinal properties of Tetracarpidium conophorum seeds. This partly shows the use of this seed in herbal medicine.