Abstract
The Chemical composition and the effect of heat treatment on seeds of Dacryodes edulis (G.Don) were studied. In the proximate analysis, the moisture (42.63 - 48.05%) and carbohydrate (35.94 - 38.35%) values were the highest. The values of the tannins (21.80 - 25.77%), alkaloids (10.40 - 10.60%) and saponins (5.92 - 6.72%) were higher than the other phytochemicals measured. Potassium (9.0 ± 0.005 - 11.00 ± 0.10 mg/100g), calcium (2.23 ± 0.006 - 5.88 ± 0.005 mg/100g) and phosphorus, (1.09 ±0.05 - 2.01 ± 0.5 mg/100g) were the predominant elements present in the seeds. Sodium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and iron were present in appreciable amounts but manganese was not detected. The ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents were (18.79 ± 0.81 - 25.76 ± 1.51 mg/100 g) and (1.12 ±0.04 - 1.64 ± 0.01 mg/100g) respectively. The results of this study showed that D. edulis seeds are potential source of essential nutrients to man and animal when properly processed.© 2010 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Food, phytochemical, chemoprotective, antioxidant, cofactor, deficiency, radical.
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