Association Of Analytical Chemists Research Articles

Quality assessment of commercially refined sunflower oil found in the market of Pokhara, Nepal

Sunflower oil is widely used for home cooking and the food industry. Food safety concerns are always there while consuming oil daily, so people want their purchased and consumed oil to be safe. The main aim of the research is to demonstrate and compare the data of different parameters obtained from laboratory experiments following the standard methods suggested by FSSAI-2016 (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India), A.O.A.C. (Association of Analytical Chemists) and the standard values given by D.F.T.Q.C. (Department of Food Technology and Quality Control), Nepal in 2075 B.S for edibleness of sunflower oil. Here, we show the standard methods to test the different parameters, i.e., moisture content, acid value, density, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, and unsaponifiable matter of edible sunflower oil. The dataset of preliminary and physiochemical analysis were within the limits of D.F.T.Q.C. standards for edible and refined sunflower oil, where moisture content was 0.05±0.01, refractive index was 1.4676±5.7735E-05, peroxide value was 2.65±0.098, acid value was 0.071±0.0026, iodine value was 128.02±0.007, saponification value was 189.92±1.094 and unsaponifiable matter was 2.53±0.7. This study concludes that all the selected samples of sunflower oils are in the permissible range according to the D.F.T.Q.C. directory (2075). It indicated that selected sunflower oil types have regulatory standards for public consumption concerning health risks under study from the Pokhara market.

Resistant starch content of selected Australian foods

A growing body of research has identified interactions between microorganisms and nutrients within the gut, collectively referred to as the ‘gut microbiome’(1). Alongside this, distinct structural characteristics/components of dietary fibre have been recognised to exhibit various physiological effects on the body(1). These inherent physiological properties have the potential to result in diverse health benefits through the consumption of resistant starch, a specific form of dietary fibre(2). It is important to note that the laboratory-based techniques employed to assess resistant starch content from current Australian dietary composition data are antiquated and have not been conducted using updated testing methods(3). Results from updated testing methods may contribute to and inform nutritional recommendations to support and improve health outcomes. To assess the resistant starch content of starch-containing Australian foods using the updated Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) 2002.02 testing methods approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand(3). Standardised kits (K-RSTAR) and control flours were used for assaying. Forty commonly consumed and available Australian foods were tested in duplicate for their resistant starch content. Calculated resistant starch values (in grams) were recorded using calculation tools provided by Megazyme. Means, standard deviations, and coefficient of variations between duplicate samples were recorded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The resistant starch content of foods varied from 0-13.72g/100g for rice crackers, beetroot, and hi-maize pancakes, respectively. Foods with the highest resistant starch were hi-maize flour pancakes, red kidney beans, Lebanese bread, and Cornflakes cereal, which ranged from 2.30-13.72g/100g. The lowest resistant starch foods included beetroot, rice crackers, All Bran cereal, and Nutri-grain cereal, ranging from 0-0.04g/100g. Changes in the foods’ natural chemical, physical, and enzymatic qualities may have led to slight batch variations and deviations from the literature available. This study is the first known Australian study to investigate the resistant starch content of selected Australian foods using the AOAC 2002.02 assay method. This data can be used to assess resistant starch consumption in the Australian population, inform gut microbiome research, and guide clinical practice recommendations for fibre intake.

Proximate, Minerals and Vitamins Analyses of Some Common Foods in Nigeria

Nutritional composition is a key factor that must be considered in our daily choice of diets. Hence, the need for nutritional analysis of these five (5) common Nigerian solid foods (poundo yam, semovita, corn flour, cassava flour, and wheat flour). The flour samples were chemically analysed for proximate and Mineral elements: magnesium, iron, sodium and calcium composition, using the methods described by Association of Analytical chemist. Vitamin A content was determined by spectrophotometric method while Vitamin C content was determined using the spectrometric method coupled with DNPH procedures. The result revealed that Poundo yam had the highest carbohydrate content (82.695%) and least in the following parameters; moisture (7.55%), calcium (30.075mg), iron (9.20mg), sodium (15.565mg), and magnesium (26.185mg) among other samples. Semovita has the highest protein content (16.3%), vitamin A (0.52mg) and vitamin C (3.61mg). Wheat flour was rated highest in ash (1.82%) and sodium (25.3mg) contents respectively. It was also observed that wheat flour had the least content of vitamin A (0.09mg). Corn flour was highest in crude fat (5.5%). Cassava flour had the highest crude fibre (1.9%), calcium (228.55mg), iron (17.85mg) and magnesium (88.55mg), and turned out to be least in protein (1.025%) and vitamin C (0.44mg) content.

Comparative Phyto and Physicochemical Parameters of the Therapeutic Plant Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels in Jaffna District

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) is an evergreen tree, grown widely in Sri Lanka. It is regularly recognized as jambolan, black plum, and jamun. It is an extensively used therapeutic herbal in the treatment of innumerable illnesses, particularly in Diabetes mellitus in traditional medicine. The goal of the research was to compare the phytochemical and physicochemical properties between the different parts of jambolana tree which is naturally found in Sri Lanka. Proximate estimation of physicochemical properties of dried matured different parts as bark, leaves, fruits, and seeds of the Syzygium cumini havebeen done in the current study rendering to the standard protocols recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC). This study includes electrical conductivity value, moisture content, fat content, and different ash contents analysis. It was found that the leaves had the highest electrical conductivity (16.67±1.53) and the bark had the lowest electrical conductivity (2.44±0.03). The moisture content of the bark was lower (11.30±0.44) in comparison tothat of the seeds (16.34±0.43). Furthermore, the bark had the highest fat content (1.02±0.03) and acid insoluble ash (2.65±0.89), when compared to the seeds (0.65±0.01) and leaves (1.00±0.88) respectively. The seeds had the highest pH (5.39±0.08); total ash (2.18±0.06) and water-soluble ash (5.25±0.55), while the fruits had the highest sulphated ash (1.99±0.55). Qualitative inspection revealed that hot ethanolic seed extracts contained high levels of flavonoids, tannins, phenols, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids and quinones, in addition to other parts, which also had high levels of alkaloid content (81.06 mg/g). The current study will contribute useful data in the precise documentation and validation of various parts of S. cumini and may aid in removing contaminants in the preparation of nutraceuticals or medicine.
 Keywords: Medicinal Plant, Parts, Parameters, Physicochemical, Phytochemical, Syzygium cumini

Proximate composition, levels of heavy metals and their associated risk assessment in ginger (Zingiber officinale roscoe)

Ginger is a medicinal plant widely used as a spice and botanically categorized in the Zingiberaceae family, Zingiber genus, and officinale species. Natural and anthropogenic sources can discharge heavy metals into the environment from which they enter the human body through food, water, air, and skin contact and cause detrimental health effects. In this study, ginger samples were randomly collected from five kebeles in Ilubabor and Bunno Bedelle zones, Southwest Ethiopia, from which a composite sample was made for analysis. Microwave-assisted digestion was carried out using concentrated nitric acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide followed by atomic absorption spectrometer detection using different Association of Analytical Chemists, AOAC methods. Proximate analysis was performed with different standard operating procedures. The mean levels of heavy metals were 0.009 mg/kg for Arsenic, Chromium, and Lead and 0.01 mg/kg for cadmium while 578.2 mg/kg was obtained for iron. Proximate composition analysis shows 82.89%, 2.00%, 0.07%%, 1.63%, 3.42%, 9.99%, and 48.59 kcal for moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy, respectively. The validated method had acceptable linearity (R2 = 0.9978 - 0.9993), the limit of detection (8.18x10-5 - 0.0075), the limit of quantification (2.7x10-4 - 0.025), recovery (75 - 106.87%) and precision (4.77 - 13.97 %). The hazard index (HI) of the metals was less than one showing insignificant non-carcinogenic risk from exposure to a single or multiple possibly toxic elements from the studied ginger samples.

Effect of processing methods on the proximate and phytochemical constituents of <i>Moringa Oleifera</i> (Lamarck, 1785) leaves

Due to the presence of active phytochemical metabolites, Moringa oleifera a fast-growing deciduous plant provides protein, vitamins, and amino acids that enhance growth and treat illnesses. The aim of the study was to compare the proximate and phytochemical composition of Moringa oleifera leaves after air and sun drying. The leaves were sourced from Millennium City, Kaduna, Nigeria and sent to Kaduna State University's Biological Sciences Department for identification and authentication. A specimen number; KASU/BSH/754, was assigned and recorded. The leaves were divided into two groups and treated to air drying and sun drying after being cleaned in water to remove dust. The leaves were kept in a well-ventilated room at a temperature of 25±2oC for six days. Leaves were also exposed to direct sunshine for 3days. With a mortar and pestle, the treated leaves were pulverized before being analyzed for proximate and phytochemical components using standard techniques. The proximate analysis was evaluated using a method developed by the Association of Analytical Chemist. The proximate analysis of air dried leaves recorded 6.58±0.32 moisture content, 12.09±0.44 ash content, 24.5±0.62 crude protein, 8.70±0.35 crude lipid, 12.5±0.60 crude fibre and 35.7±2.45 carbohydrate. While sundried leaves produced 7.59±0.33 moisture content, 13.76±0.86 ash content, 24.4±0.13 crude protein, 8.98±0.18 crude lipid, 10.7±0.49 crude fibre and 34.6±0.65 carbohydrate. The qualitative analysis of the phytochemical constituents shows that there is high concentration of phytosterol, alkaloid and saponin, moderate concentration of flavonoid and low concentration of tannin for air dried leaves. While sundried leaves produced high concentration of only alkaloid and flavonoid. And low concentration of phytosterol, saponin and tannin. Statistical analysis shows that air drying is the most suitable method of processing Moringa oleifera leaves.

Development of Quality Requirements of Chemical Analytical Measurements

The development of quality requirements for the analyses of chemical contaminants is reviewed from the formation of the first association of analytical chemists in 1884. Without attempting to give complete coverage, it is shown that the elaboration of quality systems is commanded by the needs of the industry and international trade. Progress along the line of the initial inter-laboratory comparison, methods validated with collaborative tests, and development of internationally harmonized guidelines and protocols to perform complex studies aiming to improve the accuracy and reliability of the results facilitate international trade, and protect consumer health, as well as the environment. The international cooperation for limiting the replication of various (e.g., analytical, toxicological) tests is promoted by multilateral agreements that are also supported by legal obligations. Notwithstanding, the rapid development of requirements and guidance documents provides only the frame for obtaining accurate, defendable results. The production of such results is the duty of the laboratory management, analysts, and study personnel who play the decisive role and bear full responsibility for the samples analyzed.

Characterization of the Physicochemical Properties of Virgin and Used Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oils form a vital part of the diet in many homes. The repeated use of same oil for deep frying is widespread in commercial as well as domestic cooking processes. This study aimed at investigating the physicochemical properties of popular brands of virgin and used edible oils sold in Nigeria to ascertain the effects of using the same oil for repeated frying. Standard methods prescribed by the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and American oil Chemists Society recommended practice (AOCS) were used to determine relative density (RD), peroxide value (PV), iodine value (IV), acid value (AV), free fatty acid (FFA), volatile matter (VM), viscosity (VY) and insoluble impurities (IP). Results revealed that the temperature change in the oil samples induced a difference in their RDs, AVs and PVs. This was also observed in the proportions of the FFA content of the oil samples before they were used and after two frying cycles. PVs in the study ranged from 1.40 - 13.60 meqO2/kg; IVs ranged from 48.22-118.02 gI2/100g; RDs ranged from 0.91 -0.95 kg/l; AV ranged from 1.37 - 49.56 mgKOH/g; FFA ranged from 0.59 - 11.56%; VM range was 0.0003 to 0.0484 %. VY range was 136.04 -220.53 mgKOH/g and IPs ranged from 5.03 - 9.02 %.

Germplasm variability-assisted near infrared reflectance spectroscopy chemometrics to develop multi-trait robust prediction models in rice.

Rice is a major staple food across the world in which wide variations in nutrient composition are reported. Rice improvement programs need germplasm accessions with extreme values for any nutritional trait. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) uses electromagnetic radiations in the NIR region to rapidly measure the biochemical composition of food and agricultural products. NIRS prediction models provide a rapid assessment tool but their applicability is limited by the sample diversity, used for developing them. NIRS spectral variability was used to select a diverse sample set of 180 accessions, and reference data were generated using association of analytical chemists and standard methods. Different spectral pre-processing (up to fourth-order derivatization), scatter corrections (SNV-DT, MSC), and regression methods (partial least square, modified partial least square, and principle component regression) were employed for each trait. Best-fit models for total protein, starch, amylose, dietary fiber, and oil content were selected based on high RSQ, RPD with low SEP(C) in external validation. All the prediction models had ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) > 2 amongst which the best models were obtained for dietary fiber and protein with R2 = 0.945 and 0.917, SEP(C) = 0.069 and 0.329, and RPD = 3.62 and 3.46. A paired sample t-test at a 95% confidence interval was performed to ensure that the difference in predicted and laboratory values was non-significant.

Prediction of some thermo-physical properties of biodiesel using ANFIS and ANN cum sensitivity analysis

• Modeling of cetane number and kinematics viscosity of biodiesel from African pear seed oil. • Artificial neural network model. • Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems. The prediction of kinematic viscosity (KV) and cetane number (CN) of African pear seed oil methyl ester (APOME) using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were carried out. The solvent extraction was used to extract oil from African pear seed and characterized with Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC) methods. The catalysts were synthesized by thermal and chemical activation methods. The activated clays were characterized and used to convert African pear seed oil (APO) to biodiesel. The physiochemical and thermo-physical properties of the biodiesel were determined using American Society for Testing Materials ASTM D6571 and some of the thermo-physical properties (KV and CN) were modeled using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system. The APO yielded 52% oil which is equivalent to the yields obtained from other non-edible seeds. The APSOME produced from the APO had qualities that were within the standard limits for biodiesel. The thermo-physical properties of the biodiesel (APSOME) were predicted accurately by ANFIS and ANN with good performance parameters. The double-input-double-output (DIDO) ANN architecture model best predicted the properties with lower root mean square error of 0.03423 and higher coefficient of determination of 0.9999. The biodiesel fraction has 14% more relative contribution than temperature on the thermo-physical properties. Therefore, ANFIS and ANN can be used to predict KV and CN.

Nutritional composition of local ingredients used to prepare porridges for vulnerable people in Maroua (far- north region, Cameroon)

Protein, energy and micronutrient deficiency is a major problem in Cameroon, especially its HIV/AIDS population. Porridges formulation and consumption are an easy way to relieve part of this problem. Local porridges made from a proper selection of ingredients are acceptable and cheap. The present study analyses the nutritional composition of ingredients locally used to prepare porridges for the vulnerable population of Maroua. A survey was carried out on 100 households to determine the types of ingredients they use in the preparation of porridges for vulnerable people. All grains were sprouted except for rice and the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude fibers, protein and fats) was determined by the Standard Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Phosphorus and total carotenoid were determined colorimetrically. Results revealed that millet, maize and rice were the most used cereals to prepare porridge and ranges were: Millet 19% for sick, 41% for children; Maize 14% for pregnant women, 28% for sick and rice 15% for sick. The most used legumes to enrich porridges were peanuts, soybeans and white beans respectively. Proximate composition expressed in g/100g of sample ranges were 12.42 - 22.76 for moisture, 0.73 - 3.74 for ash, 7.82 - 53.78 for fats, 0.40 - 4.49 for fibers, 22.14 - 86.64 for carbohydrate and 427.7 - 659.46 Kcal/100g for energy. Minerals and total carotenoids expressed as mg/100g of sample ranges were: 7.6 - 482.5 for Ca, 42.6 - 278.75 for Mg, 149.5 - 1701.50 for K, 57.75 - 218.75 for P, 1.71 - 57.75 for Zn, 0.51 - 2.50 for Cu, 0.63 - 3.46 for Mn, 1.23 to 8.31 for Fe, 2.22 - 5.46 for Na and 0.28 - 0.81 for total carotenoids. This information could be exploited to formulate porridges to resolve the malnutrition problem observed vulnerable individuals.

Nutritional Quality Evaluation of Stored Onion (Allium cepa L.) Powder in Transparent and Amber Coloured Jars

This study investigated the proximate compositions, microbial counts and total polyphenols content of onion powder stored at ambient temperature for six months in transparent and amber coloured jars. Standard methods of Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), American Public Health Association (APHA) were used to evaluate the proximate composition and microbial count of the powder while the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to assess total polyphenols during and after storage. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the total polyphenol (TP) contents and proximate composition of onion powder stored in amber and transparent jars. Total polyphenol contents of the onion powder decreased from an initial value of 14.60±1.08 mg/g GAE to a final value of 5.92±0.76 mg/g GAE in the amber coloured jar after storage while a final value of 1.64± 0.78 (mg/g) GAE was evaluated after storage in the transparent jar. From proximate compositions, only crude protein, fibre and moisture contents increased during and after storage in both storage jars. There was more retention of proximate parameters in the content of amber storage jar during and after storage. Microbial colony counts in onion powder in the amber jars were fewer than in the transparent jars during and after storage. To minimize wastage of onion during glut season, onion should be made into powder form and better stored in amber coloured material for better retention of nutritional qualities prior to use at home or industry.

Formulation of Adequate Complementary Food for Children 6–24 Months Using Local Staple Foods in the South-west Region of Cameroon

Background: Malnutrition is still among the leading causes of death in children <5 years, contributing to about 50% of infant deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. Undernutrition is the more common form of malnutrition in developing countries, and results from insufficient intake of protein and/or energy, and may sometimes result from poor breastfeeding and/or complementary feeding practices. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby’s life, followed by gradual introduction of complementary foods, with continuous breastfeeding till baby is at least two years. Most babies are not exclusively breastfed for six months, and even more not breastfed till 24 months. Most complementary foods in developing countries are homemade, with plant-based ingredients, using improper processing techniques, making them low in nutrient content.
 Aims: This work aimed at formulating Complementary foods from ten different proportions of local staples; yellow maize, rice, potatoes, egg whites, soybeans, pawpaw, watermelon, pineapple and oranges, using standard processing techniques.
 Methodology: The blends (A to J) were formulated and were evaluated for colour, taste, flavor and consistency using nine scaled hedonic point, and the preferred five were evaluated for proximate composition, some vitamins and minerals, functional properties, and for microbes using standard Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. The results were statistically analysed using Microsoft excel, SPSS and Graphpad Instat softwares.
 Results: Results from sensory analysis showed that the preferred formulas were B, H, A, C, G, respectively. Moisture contents ranged from 4.6 - 10.5%, ash content ranged from 2.65 - 3.70%, fibre content ranged from 6.43 - 9.27%, protein content ranged from 17.72 - 37.72%, fat content ranged from 9.5 - 14%, carbohydrate content ranged from 38.74 - 63.58%, and energy content ranged from 394.9Kcal - 433.2Kcal. Micronutrient analysis revealed that all the formulas had no vitamin C, while they had vitamin A contents ranging from 95.85 - 2340IU. Calcium content ranged from 378 - 632mg/100g, iron content ranged from 4.73 - 8.59mg/100g, phosphorous ranged from 109.04 - 136.49mg/100g, and Zinc content ranged from 1.47 - 2.35mg/100g. Magnesium content ranged from 53.32 - 85.19mg/100g, sodium ranged from 2.42 - 189.41mg/100g, while potassium ranged from 319.2 - 728.82mg/100g. For functional properties, water absorption and oil absorption capacities ranged from 1.5 - 4.4 and 1.5 - 1.95 respectively, Loose and packaged bulk densities ranged from 0.51 - 0.54 and 0.78 - 0.92 respectively. The swelling index ranged from 1.03 - 1.11, foaming capacity and foam stability ranged from 2.0 - 18.0 and 0.0 - 0.7 respectively, while the dispersibilities ranged from 52.5 - 92.5%. Microbial analysis revealed that none of the formulas contained yeast, C had no coliform while formula B had highest coliform (620 CFUs), while C had highest TBC (31000CFUs).
 Conclusion: Formula C, with sweet potatoes as main starch source, looked most promising as a complementary food.

USE OF RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY (RSM) IN OPTIMISATION OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION FROM COW TALLOW

In this study, beef tallow, waste from slaughterhouses was used as a feedstock for the production of biodiesel due to its high yield capacity, availability, and low cost. Sodium hydroxide and methanol were used as catalyst and solvent respectively. Characterization of oil and biodiesel samples were carried out using the Association of analytical chemist (AOAC) and American society of testing and materials (ASTM) respectively. Other characterization methods used are Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatographymass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) techniques. FTIR was carried out to characterize (identify the constituent elements) of both the feedstocks and their methyl esters. The fatty acid profile of the raw feedstocks and the produced methyl esters were obtained using the gas chromatograph to ascertain the % concentration of the different fatty acids. The physicochemical properties of the oils and biodiesel were also determined and compared with standards. Optimization of the processes was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) under the platform of Design Expert 7.0.0 which uses statistical regression models. The optimized yield from transesterification of cow tallow using RSM was 83.82%, obtained with optimum operating parameters of Temperature (54.3oC), Time (51.65 mins), Catalyst concentration (1.82 wt%), Methanol/oil ratio (4.08 mol/mol) and stirring speed (302 rpm). This work thus not only confirms cow tallow as a viable feedstock for the production of biodiesel but also proves that a high enough yield of cow tallow biodiesel can be obtained at feasible reaction conditions. This study concluded that the use of response surface methodology proves to be a viable optimization technique albeit with its limitations in the transesterification process.

Physical-Chemical Characterization of the Oil Extracted from Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Seeds and Its Potential Application as Lipid-base Raw Material to Produce Biodiesel

The escalating prices of petroleum fuels, the uncertainties in their supply and the wreckage of global climate caused by their continual use have rekindled research interests in the use of plant oil for fuels and other biofuels. Sponge gourd seeds were investigated for its biodiesel properties with the aim of determining the desirability of incorporating the oil into bio-fuel. The seeds were sourced for, processed and extracted while the bio-fuel oil obtained were analyzed. 31.0 Percentage (%) of oil yield was obtained from Luffa cylindrica seeds according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Standards which were used to determine other Biofuel properties of luffa cylindrica seed. The laboratory analysis revealed that the oil obtained has higher viscosity at 40°C (15.55 mm2/s) which can perfectly meet up with an established standard of biodiesel on reduction after transesterification. The analysis obtained had a flash point of (150°C), Cetane number of (71.90), Refractive index of (1.645 nm), Acid value of (34.10 mg KOH/g) and Iodine value of (86.20 mgI2/g) obtained compared with most standard biodiesel which is in agreement with the specified ASTM biodiesel standard.

Comparative evaluation of the nutrient and anti-nutrient contents of edible flours consumed in Nigeria

Healthy foods/diets are essential for maintaining good health and preventing diseases. Recently, there has been increase in the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide and this has brought about a lot of research on the effect of various foods on the nutritional status of people.Also,this has led to the development of healthier alternatives to manage such health conditions.The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the nutrient and anti-nutrient content of four commonly-consumed flours.Processed wheat, oat and unripe plantain flours were purchased from the market while fonio was purchased as whole grain before it was cleaned and milled into fine flour. Samples were stored at room temperature in properly-labelled, air-tight sample glass bottles for analyses. Proximate composition was determined using standard methods of the Association of Analytical Chemists(AOAC). Micronutrients were estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry,while anti-nutrients were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Inferential and descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data at a significance level of P<0.05. The proximate parameters varied significantly (P<0.05) among the flours. Carbohydrate varied from 76.38 +0.59%(oat flour) to 87.65 +0.36% (unripe plantain flour). Protein was least (8.75 +0.25%) in unripe plantain flour and highest (16.08 +0.26%) in wheat flour. Oat flour had significantly (P<0.05)higher content of beta-carotene (8.67 +0.03mcg/100g),while wheat flour had significantly (P<0.05)higher content of calcium (45.36 +0.29mg/100g). For the anti-nutrients, oat flour had the least content of hydrogen cyanide and oxalate,while wheat flour had the highest content of both. Generally, oat flour showed significantly (p<0.05) lower levels of the 6 anti-nutrients analyzed.From the results of this study, oat flour shows some food properties which may be beneficial for people who seek to reduce starch and caloric intake.Fonio flour could be a healthier alternative to most starchy meals,as a result of its good micronutrient content and preferred nutritional value. Consumption of these cereal flours as alternatives to some indigenous starchy meals should be encouraged for both adults and children.

Nutritive evaluation of fresh Moringa oleifera leaves in Chhattisgarh region

Moringa oleifera, one of the miracle tree, is widely cultivated in different region throughout the India. Moringa oleifera belongs to moringaceae family and known with various name according to their origin and local dialect. Different parts of Moringa oleifera tree are widely used as source of nutrition, multi-vitamins and many other medicinal compounds. Moringa leaves are one of the edible parts of the tree carrying bundle of nutrients and multivitamins. Also, leaves of Moringa are fast growing and easily harvesting important parts of the tree available in abundant throughout the year. Fresh and healthy Moringa leaves were chosen for the study. Nutritional evaluation of locally available fresh Moringa leaves were carried out by determining the all proximate like moisture content of the leaves, protein, fat, fiber, ash, carbohydrate and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc using standard methods. The fresh Moringa leaves were procured from the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture and Research Station, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.). The proximate estimation and analysis were carried out using methods of Association of Analytical Chemist (A.O.A.C.). Experimental study shows that Moringa leaves possess are rich source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins like vitamins A, B, C and D. From the experiment it was found that the moisture content of fresh Moringa leaves ranges as 72-76% (wb). Also, other proximate and were recorded as crude protein 5-8%, crude fiber 1-2%, ash content 1.5-2.5%, fat content 1.5-2%, carbohydrate 12-16% in per 100g of fresh Moringa leaves. Similarly, minerals were found in following ranges as calcium 390-420mg, Iron 6-8mg, Magnesium 38-42mg, Potassium 350-400mg and Zinc 0.60-0.80mg per 100g of fresh moringa leaves.

Assessment of Heavy Metals and Proximate Analysis of Cocoa Beans from Selected Cocoa Growing Areas in Ghana

The levels of six selected heavy metals namely: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) have been investigated in cocoa beans sampled from Bekwai, Juaso, Kaspen, Asampaneye and Asamakese, five major cocoa-growing communities in Ghana. Aqua regia digestion procedure was applied for sample digestion and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used for the determination of the metals. The method for the determination of the metals was validated by analyzing standard reference material and levels of metals obtained compared favourably with reported values. Samples were also subjected to proximate analysis by determining moisture, ash, fibre, fat, protein and carbohydrate nutritional compositions of the beans. Method of proximate analysis as reported by Association of analytical chemists (AOAC) was used for estimation of nutritional compositions. Indeed, lead and cadmium concentrations were the lowest in all the samples. The generally high concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in the samples were anticipated as they are regarded essential in living organisms. The mean concentrations expressed in µg/g ranged from 0.013 to 0.042 for Pb, 25.36 to 54.24 for Cd, 36.94 to 58.71 for Zn, 7.12 to 64.65 for Mn and 10.14 to 54.17 for Cu. Proximate analysis of the cocoa beans showed carbohydrate and fat as the nutrients with the dominant composition. Correlation analysis of the metals and nutritional compositions indicated no clear relationship between the levels of the metals and the nutrients.

Effects of Culinary Methods on The Proximate Composition of an Edible Insect (Rhynchophorus Phoenicis) Larvae Obtained From Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of culinary methods (boiling and frying) on the proximate composition of an edible insect commonly known as African Palm Weevil (R. phoenicis) Larva(e). The proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, crude fibre, fat and carbohydrate contents) were determined using standard methodology of the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Boiling increased the moisture and ash content but, decreased the protein, fat, carbohydrate (p0.05) and the fibre content compared to the raw sample. On the other hand, frying increased the protein and ash contents (p 0.05) but decreased the moisture, fat, carbohydrate and fibre contents compared to the raw. The decrease in moisture content led to a corresponding increase in the protein, and ash contents of the fried sample, which indicates high protein and mineral levels of the larvae. Also, the lowest moisture content recorded in the fried sample compared to the raw and boiled sample was an indication of reduction of microbial spoilage, and longer storage shelf life of this edible larva. Therefore, frying is recommended as the best culinary method for healthy diet.
 This study investigated the effects of culinary methods (boiling and frying) on the proximate composition of an edible insect commonly known as African Palm Weevil (R. phoenicis) Larva(e). The proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, crude fibre, fat and carbohydrate contents) were determined using standard methodology of the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Boiling increased the moisture and ash content but, decreased the protein, fat, carbohydrate (p>0.05) and the fibre content compared to the raw sample. On the other hand, frying increased the protein and ash contents (p<0.05) but decreased the moisture, fat, carbohydrate and fibre contents compared to the raw. The decrease in moisture content led to a corresponding increase in the protein, and ash contents of the fried sample, which indicates high protein and mineral levels of the larvae. Also, the lowest moisture content recorded in the fried sample compared to the raw and boiled sample was an indication of reduction of microbial spoilage, and longer storage shelf life of this edible larva. Therefore, frying is recommended as the best culinary method for healthy diet.

Comparative Phytochemical, Proximate and Some Mineral Composition of the Leaves and Stem Bark of Spondia mombin (L. anacardiaceae)

Aims: Quantitative phytochemical, proximate and some mineral content of the leaves and stem bark of Spondia mombin, a plant commonly found in Southern Nigeria was studied with a view of ascertaining their nutritional potential and justification for their ethnopharmacological uses.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the research Laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between February – March 2019.
 Methodology: Proximate composition, quantitative phytochemical, and mineral contents of the samples were studied using standard analytical methods of the Association of Analytical Chemist (AOAC).
 Results: Proximate analysis of the leaves and stem bark showed that there was no significant difference (P between the carbohydrate and protein content of both leaves and stem bark while the stem bark had significantly higher (P values for ash, fat and fibre when compared to the leaves which incidentally had significantly higher (P moisture content. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference (P between the leaves and stem bark with reference to tannin, oxalate and phytate, the stem bark, however, showed significantly higher (P values for alkaloids, saponin and cyanogenic glycosides when compared to the leaves, although flavonoids and phenols were significantly (P higher in the leaves. Mineral (elemental) analysis of both leaves and stem bark indicated the presence of macro and micro minerals in varying amounts.
 Conclusion: These findings indicated that S. mombin contained an appreciable amount of nutrients and minerals which could be included in the diet to supplement our daily nutrients and animal feeds, while the presence of the phytochemical may justify their use in ethnomedicine for the prevention, treatment and management of diverse health challenges, the phytochemicals may also act as lead compounds in the development of new drugs to counteract the present drug-resistant phenomenon.