Phytochemical,Physicochemical, Anti-Nutritional And Fatty Acids Composition Of Soldier Termites (Coptotermes Gestroi) From Paikoro Local Governvernt, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The anti-nutritional contents of Coptotermes gestroi were determined using various standard methods. The results show that this insect has low cyanide (2.04±0.09), phytate (25.05±1.51) and oxalate content (13.46±0.64) mg/100g. The phytochemical screening obtained in this work revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids,cardiac glycosides, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, sterols and terpenoids in the aqueous crude extracts whileanthraquinones was in active in three extracts. The physicochemical parameters of the insect determined are; acid value (3.94±0.06), free fatty acids (1.98±0.03), peroxide value (17.59±0.95) mEqvO 2 /kg, Saponification content (174.66±0.61) mg/KOH/g and iodine value (92.62±0.33) mg/100g as well as specific gravity and refractive index, however these values fell within the nutritionally accepted values. The presence of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the C. gestroi could be an advantage since both may complement the function of one another. Thus this oil is expected to be suitable for the manufacture of soaps, lubricating oil, candles thereby making them attractive options for commercial purpose and also in pharmaceutical industries.