Evaluation of nutritional composition and anti-nutrients in African white star apple (Chrysophyllum abidum) seed

Abstract

A preliminary step to investigating the nutritional importance of Chrysophyllum albidum seed was carried out on the raw seed. In order to achieve this, some analyses like proximate composition, minerals as well as identification of some antinutrient contents of the seed were done. The seed was found to be moderately high in crude protein (18.34%), fat (6.48%) and crude fibre (4.63%). The inorganic determination revealed that the seed is low in minerals. Lead was not detected in the raw seed. It was equally found that the seed contained anti-nutrients like saponnins, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids while alkaloids and anthraquinone were lacking. However, when the seed was fed to wistar rat orally at a dose of up to 2000mg/kg body weight, no death was recorded. However, intraperitoneal treatment of 500mg/kg body weight showed clinical disorder and subsequent death at 50% lethal dosage LD₅₀.

Keywords: chrysophllum albidum seeds, anti-nutrients, protein, minerals, lethal dosage

Nigerian Food Journal Vol. 23 2005: 252-255