Toxicants and physicochemical characteristics of the seeds of African black pear (Dacryodes edulis).

Abstract

This experiment investigated the antinutrients content and functional properties of the seeds of African black pear ( Dacryodes edulis ). The study derived its importance from the environmental problem posed by the seeds of this highly cherished fruit. The aim of the project was to determine through empirical means the possible recycling potential that might be inherent in the seeds of the African black pear. Three seed varieties of the same sample categorized as Small (S), Medium (M) and Large (L) were used for this study. Standard experimental protocols were employed in the estimation of all indices. Data obtained indicate that the seed samples contained phytic acid: 12.13 + 1.14; 12.37 + 1.82 and 13.37 + 0.65g/100g sample on dry matter basis (DMB), respectively for Small, Medium and Large. Trypsin inhibitory activities (TIA) were determined as 546.67 + 30.55; 520.00 + 20.00; and 473.33 + 23.10g/100g sample on DMB in the same order, respectively. High amounts of oxalate 0.24 + 0.02 g-1100g for Small; 0.35 + 0.03 g-1100g for Medium and 0.37 + 0.03 g-1100g for Large while tannins were also found to be (5.07 + 0.14; 5.16 + 0.08; 5.02 + 0.16)g- 1100g for Small; Medium; and Large, respectively in the seeds. Water and oil absorption capacity as well as foam capacity and bulk density for all the samples did not differ significantly (P>0.05). The Medium seed flour, however, showed significantly (P Dacryodes edulis contained high amounts of phytic acid, oxalate, TIA and tannins. Physicochemical data on the other hand suggest the seeds of Dacryodes edulis to have valuable functional attributes of industrial interest.