Evaluation of Nutritional, Non-nutritional, Elemental Content and Amino Acid Profile of Azanza garckeana (Goron Tula)

Abstract

Azanza garckeana fruits, leaves, stem-bark and roots were both quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed to determine the nutritional, non-nutritional, elemental and amino acid content. The nutritional (proximate) analysis reveals the highest and lowest moisture content in the fruits (6.50%) and stem-bark (0.50%), crude protein in the fruits (12.00%) and stem-bark (4.91%), crude fibre in the stem-bark (45.30%) and fruits (20.75%), lipid content in the leaves (2.56%) and roots(0.68%), and total ash content in roots (8.70%) and fruits (6.7%), respectively, while vitamin A, B1, B2, C and E were all found (in the fruits and leaves), and quantitatively more in the fruits. A. garckeana contains alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenes, phenols, volatile oils, resins and saponins. However, there is a significant variation in the presence of these compounds in the different parts of this plant. The amount of these compounds were also found to be safe (i.e. below established toxic levels), and of medicinal value. The mineral elements present are also below toxic levels, and may contribute to the dietary requirements of these elements. The amino acid profile reveals 17 types; 7 essential, 2 semi-essential and 8 non-essential in the fruits and leaves in varying amounts.