Khayasenegalensis seed: Chemical characterization and potential uses

Nagwa Kamal-Eldin M. Salih and

Abstract

This study was done to characterize the seed kernel and coat of Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) Juss. A.), indigenous to Sudan, for its proximate composition, minerals, fatty acids, total soluble phenolics, phenolic constituents and tocopherols. The crude fat was 53% in seed kernel and 13% in coat. Oleic was the major fatty acid in seed kernel (79%) and coat (73%). Total soluble phenolics were 2620 mg GAE/100 g DW in seed coat and 920 mg GAE/100 g DW in kernel. The amount of δ-tocopherol was 36 mg/ 100 g DW in seed kernel and 10 mg/100 g DW in coat. These characterizations, in addition to information collected from secondary sources, value the plant seed for a number of potential food, industrial, pharmaceutical and cosmetics uses. However, it is imperative to conduct toxicity and biological studies for any product intended for human or animal use.