Proximate, Phytochemicals, Minerals, and Antinutritional Contents of Ficus Thonningii Seed

Abstract

The proximate, phytochemicals, minerals, and anti-nutritional content of Ficus thonningii seed obtained from Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria were investigated. The proximate analysis revealed that the seed is abundant in ash (8.36 ± 0.77 %), protein (27.52 ± 0.17 %) and carbohydrate (40.02%) but contains low moisture (8.76 ± 0.06 %) and fiber (2.81 ± 0.09 %). The minerals analysis showed very high quantities of Ca (2067.50 mg/100 g), P (1985.40 mg/100 g), Mg (1184.10 mg/100 g), K (918.30 mg/100 g) S (192.50 mg/100 g), Fe (434.10 mg/100 g), Mn (39.30 mg/100 g), Cu (57.40 mg/100 g), and Zn (63.60 mg/100 g), Co (1.2 mg/100 g) and Mo (1.10 mg/100 g). Phytochemicals analysis revealed that it contains more flavonoids (6.13 ± 0.02 g/100 g) and phenolics (8.77 ± 0.01 g/100 g) than saponins (1.73 ± 0.02 g/100 g), tannins (4.37 ± 0.06 g/100 g) and alkaloids (0.62 ± 0.01 g/100 g). The study has shown that Ficus thonningii seed is highly nutritive with very high mineral content and low quantities of anti-nutrients which make it a good source of food for humans and animals. It also contains biologically active phytochemicals which could have medicinal uses.