Nutritional, Elemental and Amino Acid Profile Analyses of the Seeds of Aspilia africana: A Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS)

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the nutritional, anti-nutritional, amino acid profile and elemental constituents of the seeds of Aspilia Africana; a neglected and underutilized species (NUS). The nutritional and anti-nutritional contents of A. africana was determined using standard methods. The nutritional analysis showed the presence of carbohydrate (39.40±0.17%), crude protein (21.78±0.24%), fat (20.80±0.25%), ash (6.95±0.44%), crude fiber (9.70±0.25%) and moisture (1.31±0.02%). Anti-nutrients present include; oxalate (0 33±0.02%), saponins (2.96±0.04%), alkaloids (3,99±0.02%), phytate (0.13±0.00%), tannins (155.09±0.78 mg/100 g) and cyanogenic glycosides (4.30±0.06 mg/100 g). Amino acid profile was determined using the model 120a PTH amino acid analyzer. All essential and non-essential amino acids were detected. The seeds were found to be rich in amino acids (12.26 g/100 g-2.19 g/100 g), except for tryptophan (1.02 g/100 g) and cysteine (1.15 g/100 g). Macro and micro minerals found include: Calcium (Ca), potassium (K), Sulphur (S), Phosphurus (P), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Rubidium (Rb), Manganese (Mn), Rhenium (Re), Gold (Au), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn) and Strontium (Sr). This shows that A. africana seeds are rich in nutrients and capable of ameliorating the acute food shortage being experienced the world over.