Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Composition of Bridelia Ferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae) Stem Bark Sample

Abstract

Nutritional composition of Bridelia ferruginea Benth (Euphorbiaceae) stem bark sample was evaluated. The percentage protein, fat, fibre and carbohydrate contents were: 15.7 ± 0.30, 5.45± 0.05, 4.35 ± 0.06 and 60.7 ± 0.71 respectively while the total gross energy was 1501kJ/100g. The mineral composition ranged from 0.25 to 74.2 mg/100g, with phosphorus being the most concentrated. The K/Na ratio (1.80) was higher than 1.0 recommended. The mineral safety index computation showed only Zn to be in excess based on the recommended daily allowance (RDA). The amino acid contents ranged between 0.597 – 13.1 g/100g. All the essential amino acids were present in varying amount with Isoleucine being the most concentrated. The % TEAA and % TNEAA were: 47.8 and 52.2 respectively. The P-PER (predicted protein efficiency ratio), pI (Isoelectric point) and EAAI (essential amino acid index) values were: 1.69, 5.14, 1.18 respectively. Based on the whole hen’s egg amino acid scoring pattern, methionine was limiting while with respect to FAO/WHO provisional amino acid scoring pattern and essential amino acid scoring pattern based on the requirements of pre-school child Met + Cys was limiting. The anti-nutritional factors analyzed; phytates, tannins, oxalates, phenolic content, saponins, phytin phosphorus and alkaloids in the sample were lower than the range of values reported for most vegetables. This study revealed that the Bridelia ferruginea stem bark consumed in Ekiti State and other states in the South-western part of Nigeria can contribute useful amount of nutrients to human diet.