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Aug 25, 2024Keywords:
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Main Article Content
Nutritional and Chemical Components of Ethanol Extract of Hunteria Umbellata Seeds
Abstract
Hunteria umbellata, a tropical rainforest tree commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa, is known for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating diabetes, obesity, and anaemia. This study, a beacon of hope, investigated the nutritional and chemical composition of the ethanol extract of Hunteria umbellata seeds. The research, conducted with unwavering dedication, focused on proximate, phytochemical, vitamin, and mineral analyses of the seed extract, all of which were analysed using standard analytical procedures. The proximate analysis revealed that carbohydrates were the most abundant component (56.73±0.24%), followed by moisture (16.20±0.16%) and crude protein (13.92±0.01%). Fibre content was 8.03±0.41%, with a calorific value of 1277.43±3.18 KJ/100g. Ash and lipid content were the lowest at 2.53±0.06% and 2.59±0.02%, respectively. Qualitative phytochemical analysis identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, saponins, tannins, phytates and oxalates. Quantitative analysis highlighted high concentrations of flavonoids (383.50±0.24 mg/100g) and tannins (14.02±0.01 mg/100g). GC-MS identified 20 compounds, with phenol 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl) predominant (37.72%). Vitamin analysis indicated substantial amounts of vitamin K (135.00±0.14 IU/100g), vitamin A (21.95±0.01 IU/100g), and vitamin D (8.30±0.14 IU/100g). The B complex vitamins included thiamine-B1, folic acid-B9, biotin-B7, pyridoxine-B6, riboflavin-B2, and cobalamin-B12. Mineral analysis showed significant amounts of zinc (7.08±0.11 mg/L), iron (3.51±0.02 mg/L), calcium (7.74±0.08 mg/L), magnesium (4.22±0.21 mg/L), phosphorus (3.31±0.01 mg/L), potassium (9.37±0.22 mg/L), and sodium (80.59±0.66 mg/L), with sodium being the highest. These findings, a ray of hope, provided valuable insights into the nutritional and chemical properties of Hunteria umbellata seed extract, thereby supporting its potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. Further studies are recommended to explore its therapeutic applications and clinical efficacy, which are promising prospects for the future.
