Original Articles
Attibayeba1, Andzouana Marcel2
Abstract
The seeds of Anisophyllae quangensis and Gambea Africana were studied for proximate, mineral, qualitative and quantitative phytochemical compositions in order to assess their nutritive and medicinal value. Phytochemical screening of solvent extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, tannins and anthocyanins. Quantitative analysis revealed high alkaloid (12.00±3.10 &31.30±18.30%) and flavonoid contents (24.60±0.20 &12.80±0.32%) for A. quangensis and G. Africana respectively followed by pectins (06.00±0.46 & 02.67±00.31%). However carothenoids and anthocyanins were found in lower concentrations (00.40±0.20-00.60±0.28%). Proximate analysis of the seeds showed high moisture, carbohydrate, and energy content values in the ranges of 39.88-41.13%, 36.73-41.66%, and 958.69-1067.91 Kj/100g respectively. The results showed moderately high protein (except for A.quangensis) and fat values for both fruits studied and the low ash contents for all the samples (05.55- 04.64%. The mineral analysis revealed that potassium and phosphorus were the most abundant minerals (02.60 and 0.60% respectively) present in the plant parts. Calcium, magnesium and sodium were detected in lower quantities (0.10-0.14%) whereas iron was detected in trace amounts (0.01-0.02%). The seeds were found to be important in nutrition since they contained nutrients and non-nutrients needed for the human’s physiology and medicinally to protect the body against various diseases.