Savanna Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 3(1):67-70
Proximate and Phytochemical Constituents of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Fruit
Karaye I. U., Ladan, M.U., Shehu A., Adili I. S., Lawal, H. M., and Abdulqadir, H.
ABSTRACT
The most logical approach towards the improvement and efficient use of indigenous fruits to supply nutritional requirement
for human diet is through the investigation of their nutritional values. This study was carried out to investigate the nutritional
value of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) powdered fruit pulp and seeds purchased at Sokoto central market, Sokoto
State Nigeria. The seeds and fruit pulp were analyzed for proximate, Phytochemical, antinutritional and mineral contents.
Results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of saponin, glycosides, flavonoid, steroids, volatile
oils and cardiac glycosides in both extracts. Result of the proximate analysis showed protein with the highest percentage dry
weight (62.56%) followed by crude lipid (23.59%), moisture (9.33%), ash (2.33%) and carbohydrate (2.19) in seeds of P.
biglobosa. Carbohydrate had the highest percentage (69.9%) followed by moisture (16.33%), Crude protein (6.56%), crude
lipid (3.81%) and then ash (3.33%) in the analyzed fruit pulp, thus indicating that locust bean fruit pulp had higher
Carbohydrate content, thus a better source of energy. Result of mineral test indicated both the seeds and fruit pulp were rich
sources of Potassium 2850 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg respectively followed by sodium with 142.50 mg/kg and 62.50 mg/kg
respectively. Results of antinutritional test showed that the seeds contained Nitrate (18.71 mg/dl), Tannin (9.18 mg/dl) and
Cyanide (6.51 mg/dl) while the analyzed Fruit pulp contains Nitrate (22.65 mg/dl), Tannin (17.10 mg/dl) and Cyanides (7.13
mg/dl), indicating higher amounts of Nitrates, Tannin and Cyanides in the pulp compared to the analyzed seeds. Taking into
considerations the Crude Protein, Crude lipid, Carbohydrate as well as the Mineral composition of both the seeds and fruit
pulp of the analyzed samples, it could be suggested that harnessing the plant’s products in our diet preparations could
enhance nutrition especially in the wake of high cost of normal food materials and could also reduce malnutrition especially
amongst low income earners.
