Chemical and phytochemical compositions of Voandzeia substerranea seeds

Abstract

The seeds of Voandzeia subterranean (L.) Thouars (Fabaceae), from Congo-Brazzaville were studied for proximate, qualitative and quantitative compositions. Phytochemical screening of various solvent extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, triterpenoids, phenols, anhocyanins and carotenoids. Tannins and anfhraquinones were not found. Quantitative analysis showed a high amount of alkaloids (34.40±0.2%), flavonoids (4.93±0.17%), saponins (2.20±0.11%) and anfhocyanins (1.00±0.12%) in decreasing order. Phenols (0.60±0.12%) and carotenoids had low yields (0.26±0.07%). Proximate analysis of the seeds showed high moisture, carbohydrate and energy content values (49.14, 20.53% and 956.14 kJ 100 g1, respectively). The results showed low ash content (3.84%) and the relatively high fat (7.84%) and protein content (18.65%). The mineral analysis revealed that potassium (3.15%) and phosphorus (1.74%) were the most abundant minerals. Calcium (0.35) and magnesium (0.39%), were found in low amounts. Sodium, iron and aluminum were detected in trace quantities (0.01%). Manganese was not detected in the present study. The seeds were found to be important both for their nutrients and non-nutrients which determined the medicinal and nutritional value of the plant. © 2014 Asian Network for Scientific Information.