Comparative Biochemical Evaluation of the Proximate, Mineral, and Phytochemical Constituents of Xylopia aethiopica Whole Fruit, Seed, and Pericarp
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Date
2021
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Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
Abstract
This study evaluated the relative abundance of proximate, mineral, and phytochemical constituents of the anatomical parts of Xylopia aethiopica (XA) fruit using standard analytical procedures. The results showed that whole fruits
(WF) have higher contents of crude protein, crude fiber, fat, ash, and moisture than the seeds (S) and pericarps (P). However, highest contents of crude carbohydrate and nitrogen free extracts were found in the P, followed by the S. The content
of minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper) and phytochemicals were present in the following order of abundance: WF>S>P. Furthermore, the phytochemical constituents in each XA parts were
present in the following order of relative abundance: total flavonoids>tannins>total phenolics>cardiac glycoside>alkaloids>steroids. Vitamin A was abundant in all three parts, with the abundance highest in WF [4.83±0.06 g vitamin A
equivalent (vit A eq)/100 g] and lowest in P (1.64±0.02 g vit A eq/100 g). This preliminary study indicates XA fruits are
rich in minerals, anti-nutrients, and phytochemicals. Therefore, these data could represent a biochemical rationale for inclusion of XA as a spice or functional ingredient in many Nigerian local soups to help prevent ailments
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Keywords
Functional foods, Minerals, Phytochemicals, Proximate composition, Xylopia aethiopica