Phytochemical and Nutritional Composition of Nigerian Montane Forest Beilchmiedia mannii (Meisn.) Seeds

Abstract

Beilchmiedia mannii (Meisn.) seeds are important sources of therapeutic compounds and edible foods. This study investigated the phytochemical and nutritional composition of Beilchmiedia mannii (Meisn.) seeds in the Montane Forest ecological zone of Taraba State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine the proximate, vitamin, and mineral constituents of Beilchmiedia mannii (Meisn.) seeds. Matured, fresh, undamaged seeds of the sampled plant part were harvested, sun-dried, and ground into powder form for laboratory analysis. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to replicate the samples three times. Data for this study were determined in the laboratory using standard procedures like the Kjeldahl digestion method. The data obtained were analyzed using quantitative (alkaloids, flavonoids, proximate, vitamins, and mineral contents) indices and qualitative parameters (frequencies, percentages, tables and bar charts, ANOVA, and LSD). The results revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids with high (+++), moderate (++), and slight (+) proportions, respectively. This implies that Bielschmiedia mannii (Meisn.) seeds have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The proximate composition of Bielschmiedia mannii (Meisn.) seeds showed high energy value (316.25±1.086 KJ), carbohydrates (78.77±0.249 %), moisture (19.84±0.266 %), crude fiber (0.63±0.026 %), ash content (0.58±0.012 %), potassium (823.3±26.03 ppt), and phosphorus (607.0±5.773 ppt), with low crude protein (0.09±0.009%), crude fat (0.09±0.006), calcium (6.30±0.265 ppt), as well as vitamins A (0.026±0.001 %), B1 (0.011±0.001 %), and C (0.096±0.003 %). This supports the claim of their remarkable nutritional composition, offering nutrient intake. Bielschmiedia mannii (Meisn.) seeds exhibit significant health advantages and the possibility of developing novel food, medicinal, cosmetic and binding products. This calls for the sustainable utilization of this plant part.