Evaluation of the chemical composition of Persea americana (Mill) pulp and seed

Abstract

The chemical composition of Persea americana pulp and seed was investigated. Edible and non-edible parts of the fruits (pulp and seeds) were compared considering their possible role in improving the sustainability of the food and pharmaceutical industries. The results obtained showed that the investigated samples contain minerals such as carbon (17.29±0.03), hydrogen (0.65±0.07), nitrogen (4.13±0.01), oxygen (76.88±0.09), sodium (51.47±0.02), potassium (28.02±0.01), calcium (27.13±0.02), magnesium (40.77±0.01), Iron (12.01±0.01), zinc (7.23±0.01), phosphorus (31.63±0.04) and sulphur (0.04±0.01) was found in the pulp while silicon, aluminum and chlorine was not detected. Proximate composition revealed that the seed of P. americana contains more of volatile matter and fixed carbon of 27.55±0.01 and 58.35±0.04 respectively; while the pulp has more moisture content of 81.69±0.01 and ash of 1.02±0.01. Ultimate analysis showed that the seed has more carbon and oxygen while the pulp has more nitrogen and hydrogen. Mineral contents of the investigated samples higher in seed than in pulp in terms of concentration. These various chemical compositions of the evaluated samples may be behind their importance in the therapeutical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.