Comparative evaluation of the nutrient profile of the seeds of four selected tropical plants and maize.

ABSTRACT

This study compares the proximate composition, mineral composition and the presence of antinutritional elements of Zea mays with the seeds of four selected tropical plants which include Gmelina arborea, Terminalia catappa, Dacroydes edulis and Delonix regia. The matured fruits of the test materials were collected from farmlands in Asaba, Delta State Nigeria (6014’N and 6049’E). The seeds were carefully removed from the matured fruits and proximate analysis carried out to determine the levels of crude protein, crude fiber, energy, total ash and ether extract. The presence of the following mineral elements calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and zinc was determined. The presence of alkaloids and oxalate, which are anti-nutritional elements, was also determined. Significantly different means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range procedure. Significance was reported at 5% level of probability. Significant differences between the test materials were observed for all parameters measured.