An Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Nutrient Composition of the Seeds and Stem Bark of Detarium senegalense Gmelin

Abstract

The chemical constituents of the seeds and stem bark of Detarium senegalense Gmelin used as soup thickener and in herbal medicine in south Eastern Nigeria were studied. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids (0.37% - 0.72%), flavonoids (2.28% - 5.68%), tannins (0.47% - 0.79%), phenols (0.35% - 0.67%) and saponins (1.85% - 4.60%). The mineral constituents were Ca (1.44% - 1.80%), Mg (0.32% - 0.40%), K (0.50% - 0.85%), Na (0.53% - 0.40%), P (1.00% - 0.54%), Fe (7.11% - 6.97%), Mn (0.45% - 0.70%), and Zn (5.40% - 6.15%). The plant samples were found to be rich in vitamins comprising riboflavin (0.62mg/100g – 0.60mg/100g), thiamin (0.14mg/100g – 0.27mg/100), niacin (2.06mg/100g – 8.11mg/100g)and ascorbic acid (83.6mg/100 – 24.2mg/100g). The proximate composition   revealed the presence of   protein (20.5% - 9.60%), crude fibre (10.5% - 17.8%), fats/oil (55.6% - 3.56%), ash (5.00% - s5.50%), carbohydrates (8.40% - 63.54%) and food energy (616.0g/cal – 324.6g/cal.).

Keywords: Chemical composition, leguminosae, saponins , tannins, flavonoids.