Variation in biochemical and mineral quality of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa L.) latex along geographical gradient in Ghana

Abstract

The research investigated the biochemical and mineral composition of Shea latex in three geographical locations in the transitional and savannah agro-ecological zones, considering a north-south gradient: Yagaba (10⁰ 13’37’’N, 01⁰ 16’11’’W), Nyankpala (09⁰ 25’93’’N, 01⁰ 00’42’’W) and Kawampe (08⁰ 44’70’’N, 01⁰ 33’58’’W). The biochemical compositions entailed phytochemical and proximate contents determinations. Crude protein and crude fibre levels were significantly highest in July (1.33% and 8.86%, respectively) and in August (1.29% and 8.80%, respectively). However, the mean monthly (May-October, 2014) proximate content of the Shea latex did not differ significantly for ash, carbohydrates, crude fat, and moisture. Shea latex crude protein level was significantly highest in Yagaba (1.22%) than Nyankpala (1.11%). Nyankpala and Kawampe had significantly highest levels of 40.66 mg/L and 39.53 mg/L for potassium (K), respectively and significantly highest levels of 0.02 mg/L each for zinc (Zn) than Yagaba (0.01 mg/L). The Shea latex crude protein levels were consistently relatively low and significant variations manifested with respect to geographical location and tapping period. Shea latex sodium (Na): potassium (K) ratio of less than one across the study segments (tapping period and geographical location) was also revealed. The shea latex phytochemical quality screening of diverse polar solvents extracts revealed the presence of reducing sugars, terpenoids, alkaloids and tannins. The study suggests that Shea latex may have nutritional and medicinal benefits, and the potential for the hypoallergenic latex products manufacturing.