Original Articles
Andzouana Marcelm and Mombouli
Abstract
The nutrients and non-nutrients of Tetracarpidium c onophorum were evaluated using standard laboratory methods. The results showed that moisture, crude protein an d crude fat, were significantly high in percentage content (29.43;31.63;23.24% respectively) and also the ener gy value(1580.96Kj/100g) while carbohydrate and ash were found to be low (09.61 and 6.09%). Minerals include d calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and phosphorus were determined on a dry weight basis. T . conophorum had high potassium and phosphorus cont ents (02.45% and 01.16%) and all the other elements were detected in lower concentrations (0.01 to 0.65 %). Qualitative analysis of the bioactive constituents of the plant sample in its methanol and carbon tetrachloride ex tracts showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, st eroids , triterpenoids,phenol and anthocyanins. Fla vonoids and anthocyanins were detected in methanol extract only , while anthraquinones were detected in carbon tetr achloride extract and anthocyanins were absent. However, tann ins were completely absent in both solvent extracts . Quantitative analysis of T. conophorum seeds revea led that they contained high amounts of alkaloids(1 2.80±0.19) and flavonoids(11.13±0.35) whereas saponins(3.65±0. 06), anthocyanins(3.33±0.74) and Phenols (1.60±0.1 6%) were found in lower concentrations. The significant role of these chemicals for the human body and t he importance of these plant seeds in traditional medicine are d iscussed in order to assess their medicinal and n utritional contribution in body health care.