Nutritional, Elemental and Amino Acid Profile Analyses of the Seeds of Aspilia africana: A Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)
Gambo Nanbol Ndam *
Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Pankshin P.M.B.1027, Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria
Bakji Gomerep
Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Pankshin P.M.B.1027, Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria
Gosomji Andrew Dewan
Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Pankshin P.M.B.1027, Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria
Ibejekwe Sunday Igwebike
Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Pankshin P.M.B.1027, Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria
Apagu Thliza Ngamarju
Department of Chemistry, Federal College of Education, Pankshin P.M.B.1027, Pankshin, Plateau State, Nigeria
Ayuba Stephen Dapel
Department of Basic Studies, Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa, Plateau State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the nutritional, anti-nutritional, amino acid profile and elemental constituents of the seeds of Aspilia Africana; a neglected and underutilized species (NUS). The nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of A. africana was determined using standard methods. The nutritional analysis showed the presence of carbohydrate (39.40±0.17%), crude protein (21.78±0.24%), fat (20.80±0.25%), ash (6.95±0.44%), crude fiber (9.70±0.25%) and moisture (1.31±0.02%). Anti-nutrients present include; oxalate (0 33±0.02%), saponins (2.96±0.04%), alkaloids (3,99±0.02%), phytate (0.13±0.00%), tannins (155.09±0.78 mg/100 g) and cyanogenic glycosides (4.30±0.06 mg/100 g). Amino acid profile was determined using the model 120a PTH amino acid analyzer. All essential and non-essential amino acids were detected. The seeds were found to be rich in amino acids (12.26 g/100 g-2.19 g/100 g), except for tryptophan (1.02 g/100 g) and cysteine (1.15 g/100 g). Macro and micro minerals found include: Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), Sulphur (S), Phosphurus (P), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Rubidium (Rb), Manganese (Mn), Rhenium (Re), Gold (Au), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn) and Strontium (Sr). This shows that A. africana seeds are rich in nutrients and capable of ameliorating the acute food shortage being experienced the world over.
Keywords: Aspilia africana, seeds, amino acid profile, amino acid analyzer