Proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional composition of the outer peel and seed coat of Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple) obtained from Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional compositions of Chrysophyllum albidum seeds were carried out using standard analytical methods. The seeds were obtained from discards of plants and prepared for use by decocting, sun drying and grinding into powder. The result of the proximate analysis showed that both samples are good sources of carbohydrate and energy with the seed coat having higher percentage carbohydrate content 60.06±0.02 than the outer peel (34.71±0.02). Other notable values for proximate parameters were, moisture (44.65±0.02) for the outer peel and (23.28±0.02) for the seed coat and ash content with (3.23±0.03) and (2.17±0.01) for the outer peel and seed coat respectively. The investigation of the mineral content revealed that the outer peel contains higher K (62.50±0.02 mg/100g) and Fe (40.10±0.01mg/100g) than the seed coat with K (53.50±0.02 mg/100g) and Fe (40.14±0.01mg/100g). Both samples are good sources of the mineral involved in biological functions like pH balance, heart-beat regulation and bone development. The anti-nutrient compositions revealed the high presence of saponins and cyanide in relative amount. Both part of the C. albidum fruit possesses micro-nutrients of nutritional importance and can be further processed by food industries to meet diverse nutritional needs.