Proximate and phytochemical composition of African mahogany (Afzelia africana) seed and African mesquite (Prosopis africana) pod

Abstract

Fabaceae is a plant family rich in protein which may either be consumed along with other food items directly or used as supplements in livestock feed. Seeds of Afzelia africana (sm) as well as pods of Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) were collected from the main campus of the University of Ilorin and analyzed for their proximate and phytochemical compositions. The proximate analysis carried out on the roasted A. africana gave a Protein content of 20.78%, Fat value of 4.69%, Ash content of 3.62%, fibre content of 8.25%, Moisture content of 8.72%, Carbohydrate content of 53.94% while the unroasted A. africana gave a Protein content of 19.68%, Fat value of 6.09%, Ash content value of 2.26%, Fibre content of 8.79%, Moisture content of 10.65% and Carbohydrate content of 52.53%. P. africana pod had a protein content of 7.62%, Fat value of 6.86%, Ash content of 3.9%, Fibre content of 3.28%, Moisture content of 5.62% and carbohydrate 72.72%. The phytochemical analysis of A. africana seeds and P. africana pods revealed the presence of Alkaloids, Tannins, Saponins, Cardiac glycoside, Flavonoids terpenoids and phenols. These two plants are rich in both nutritional and phytochemicals which are of benefits to both humans and livestock.

Keywords: Alkaloids, Feed, Nutritional, Phenols, Roasted seed, Pod, Seed, Unroasted seed