Studies on the chemical compositions and anti nutrients of some lesser known Nigeria fruits

Abstract

Fruit samples of Cola millenii, Strychnos innocua, Bombax glabra, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Parkia biglobosa and Gardenia erubescens were collected from various locations in Oyo and Osun States of Nigeria. The chemical compositions of these fruits were analyzed with a view to evaluating their levels of nutrient and anti-nutrients. The nutrients compositions of the fruits showed that the amount of crude fat ranged between 0.78 and 40.0 g/100 g; crude fibre, 1.23 – 14.57 g/100 g; crude protein, 4.54 - 34.1 g/100 g; ash, 1.79 - 6.10 g/100 g and carbohydrate, 7.88 - 72.67 g/100 g. Concentrations of iron, manganese and zinc were highest in C. millenii mesocarp; calcium and magnesium were highest in the yellowish pulp of P. biglobosa while potassium content was highest in B. glabra seed. S. innocua juice contained the highest amount of sodium while G. erubescens fruit contained the highest amount of copper. Ascorbic acid was highest in C. millenii mesocarp with a value of 953 mg/100 g; S. innocua juice contained highest levels of total sugar (168.49 mg/g) and reducing sugar (83.25 mg/g) while C. millenii seed contained highest amount of starch (739.38 mg/g). The results of anti-nutrient factors showed that tannin content ranged between 1.0 and 7.5 mg/g catechin equivalent. Phytate, oxalate and trypsin inhibitor ranged from 0.20 - 6.65 mg/g, 0.23 - 1.17 g /100 g, 9.64 - 58.2 TIU/g respectively. The fruit parts with low level of anti nutrient, high elemental composition, protein, lipid, carbohydrates and ascorbic acid could serve as supplementary sources of essential nutrient to man and livestock.