Studies on the chemical composition and physico-chemical properties of seeds of some wild plants

Abstract

The Seeds of the fruits of some wild plants were analysed to establish their proximate compositions and the physico-chemical characteristics of the oils. The iodine values of the oils were not greater than 88 but the saponification values were in the range 157-261 mg KOH. Proximate values of the protein, oil and carbohydrate contents of the seeds suggest that they may be adequate for the formulation of animal feeds, subject to a knowledge of the levels of possible toxic substances. The Storage property of the oil from Lophira lanceolata seed were studied over a period of four weeks under conditions of light (ambient), darkness (ambient) and refrigeration. The iodine value of the oil decreased in all cases but much more so on exposure to light. In contrast, the peroxide value of the oil showed very little change under conditions of darkness and refrigeration over the same period but increased by seven fold for the photo-exposed oil.

Effects of processing on the mineral content, proximate composition and phytochemical factors of the seeds of bauhinia monandra (kurz)

“…These constituents when present in high quantities have different effects on the animal's performance which include loss of appetite, reduction in dry matter intake and effect on protein digestibility (Anwa et al, 2007). The proximate composition of seeds of some wild plants of Nigerian origin shows that they could be adequately used in the formulation of animal feed provided their level of toxic substances are reduced or eliminated (Eromosele and Eromosele, 1993). In view of these, the seeds of B. monandra which are abundant in Zaria area were analysed.…”

Chemical, Phytochemical and Functional Properties of Selected Seeds’ Flours

“…According to [27], fibre helps in the maintenance of human health and has been known to reduce cholesterol level in the body. Fibre diets promote the wave-like contraction that moves food through the intestine.…”

“…It also lowers cholesterol level in the blood, reduce the risk of various cancers, bowel diseases and improve general health and well being. Presence of high crude fibre improves glucose tolerance and is beneficial in treating maturity on set diabetics [27] From table 1 it could be seen that pawpaw seeds had the highest amount of crude fibre (5.88%) which is although lower compared to 11.88% reported for fluted pumpkin by [28]. Melon and watermelon seed's flour could also be considered as a good source of dietary fibre next to pawpaw seed's flour while benoil and pear seeds' flours showed the lowest dietary fibre contents.…”

“…Melon and watermelon seed's flour could also be considered as a good source of dietary fibre next to pawpaw seed's flour while benoil and pear seeds' flours showed the lowest dietary fibre contents. The general low levels of fibre in the seeds' flours evaluated may be desirable in their incorporation in weaning diets since emphasis has been placed on the importance of keeping fibre intakes low in the nutrition of infants and pre-school children [27]. High fibre levels in weaning diet can lead to irritation of the gut mucosa, reduced digestibility, vitamin and mineral availability [27].…”

Determination of Nutritional Composition of Different Rice Bran

“…Total fat in the sample was determined using Soxhlet extraction for 4 hr starting with nhexane [11] . About 250 ml clean boiling flasks were dried in an oven at 105 -110°C for about 30 min and cooled in a desiccator.…”