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Assessment Of The Phytochemical Constituents And Proximate Composition Of African Peer

4 Chapters
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22 Pages
|
4,487 Words

The evaluation of the phytochemical constituents and proximate composition of African pear involves a comprehensive analysis of its chemical properties and nutritional content. Rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolics, the African pear showcases a diverse array of phytochemicals contributing to its potential health benefits. These compounds play a crucial role in antioxidant activities, which are essential for combating oxidative stress and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, the proximate composition assessment reveals the nutritional components, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, highlighting the fruit’s nutritional significance. The integration of both phytochemical and proximate analyses offers a holistic understanding of the African pear’s chemical profile, emphasizing its potential as a valuable dietary source and medicinal resource.

TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
1.1 Background Of The Study
1.2 Statement Of The Problem
1.3 Objectives Of The Study

CHAPTER TWO
Literature Review
2.1 Dacryodes Edulis
2.2 Empirical Studies On Dacryodes Edulis

CHAPTER THREE
Methodology
3.1.1 Determination Of Percentage Ash Content
3.1.2 Determination Of Percentage Oil/Lipid Content
3.1.4 Determination Of Percentage Protein
3.1.5 Determination Of Carbohydrates
3.2 Qualitative Phytochemical Analyses
3.2.2 Test For Saponins
3.2.3 Test For Flavonoids
3.2.4 Test For Terpenoids
3.2.6 Test For Carbonyls (Aldehydes)
3.2.7 Test For Steroids
3.2.8 Test For Alkaloids
3.3 Quantitative Phytochemical Analyses

CHAPTER FOUR
Results And Discussions
4.1 Results
4.1.1 Qualitative Analyses
4.1.2 Quantitative Analyses
4.1.3 Proximate Composition
4.2 Discussions
4.2.1 Phytochemical Constituents
4.3 Conclusions
References

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
Plants are important in our everyday existence. They provide our foods, produce the oxygen we breathe, and serve as raw materials for many industrial products such as clothes, foot wears and so many others. Plants also provide raw materials for our buildings and in the manufacture of biofuels, dyes, perfumes, pesticides, adsorbents and drugs. The plant kingdom has proven to be the most useful in the treatment of diseases and they provide an important source of all the world’s pharmaceuticals. The most important of these bioactive constituents of plants are steroids, terpenoids, carotenoids, flavanoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. Plants in all facet of life have served a valuable starting material for drug development (Ajibesin, 2011). Antibiotics or antimicrobial substances like saponins, glycosides, flavonoids and alkaloids etc are found to be distributed in plants, yet these compounds were not well established due to the lack of knowledge and techniques. The phytoconstituents which are phenols, anthraquinones, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and saponins are antibiotic principles of plants. Plants are now occupying important position in allopathic medicine, herbal medicine, homoeopathy and aromatherapy. Medicinal plants are the sources of many important drugs of the modern world. Many of these indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices and food plants; they are also sometimes added to foods meant for pregnant mothers for medicinal purposes ( Akinpela and Onakoya, 2006). Many plants are cheaper and more accessible to most people especially in the developing countries than orthodox medicine, and there is lower incidence of adverse effects after use. These reasons might account for their worldwide attention and use. The medicinal properties of some plants have been documented by some researchers ( Akinpelu and Onukoya, 2006). Medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities. It was the advent of antibiotics in the 1950s that led to the decline of the use of plant derivatives as antimicrobials (Marjorie, 1999). Medicinal plants contain physiologically active components which over the years have been exploited in the traditional medical practices for the treatment of various ailments (Ajibesin, 2011). A relatively small percentage of less than 10% of all the plants on earth is believed to serve as sources of medicine (Marjorie, 1999). In an effort to find alternative sources of feedstuffs to replace some or all of the maize in the diet of pigs and other non-ruminant farm animals, several studies have been conducted to determine the suitability of some agro-industrial wastes as feed ingredients. These include cocoa pod husks, brewers spent grains, rice bran, maize bran, groundnut skins, and wheat bran. However, one by-product that requires consideration is cashew nut testa, a by-product obtained from the processing of cashew nuts. Its utilization as animal feed even at relatively low dosage formulations will minimize its disposal problem as well as reduce the cost of animal feeding.

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African pear, also known as Dacryodes edulis or Safou in some regions, is a fruit native to Central and West Africa. It is commonly consumed for its nutritional and economic value. The phytochemical constituents and proximate composition of African pear can vary somewhat depending on factors such as maturity, location, and environmental conditions. Here’s a general overview:

Phytochemical Constituents:

  1. Phenolic Compounds: African pear contains various phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. These compounds have antioxidant properties and contribute to the fruit’s potential health benefits.
  2. Carotenoids: Carotenoids like beta-carotene are present in African pear, giving it a yellow to orange color. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and contributes to eye health and overall immunity.
  3. Phytosterols: Phytosterols are plant compounds that resemble cholesterol in structure. They have cholesterol-lowering properties and may contribute to heart health.
  4. Fatty Acids: African pear is known for its high oil content. The oil is rich in oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fatty acid, and may have health benefits, especially for heart health.
  5. Minerals: African pear is a good source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
  6. Vitamins: In addition to vitamin A (from carotenoids), African pear contains vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, and some B vitamins.

Proximate Composition (per 100g of edible portion):

The proximate composition of African pear can vary, but here’s an approximate breakdown:

  • Water: 62-70%
  • Protein: 3-7%
  • Fat: 15-25%
  • Carbohydrates: 3-5%
  • Fiber: 3-5%
  • Ash: 2-3%

African pear is valued for its high-fat content, which makes it a calorie-dense fruit. The fat content is mainly in the form of healthy monounsaturated fats.

It’s important to note that the composition of African pear can vary depending on factors such as ripeness and cultivation methods. Additionally, the health benefits associated with consuming African pear are primarily related to its antioxidant properties, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

As with any food, moderation is key, and a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables can provide a wide range of nutrients for overall health and well-being.