Proximate composition of bungu (Ceratotheca sesamoides Endl.) leaves and seeds

Proximate analysis of the leaves of bungu harvested at 7, 8, 9, and 10 weeks after planting and the mature seeds were carried out in respect of the major nutrients. Mean values determined in two cultivars of the crop species indicated that the leaves contain low soluble carbohydrates and fat in addition to substantial amounts of protein (29.35 - 29.85%) and total ash (9.38 - 11.13%). The amounts of these and other nutrients in the leaves varied with age. The seeds contain appreciable levels of fat (17.25 - 21.00%), suggesting that they are potentially capable of being exploited as source of vegetable oil. So also, the seeds contain high levels of crude protein (21.32 - 22.15%), crude fiber (25.75 - 29.5%), calcium (2.65 -3.15%), and phosphorus (0.53 - 0.54%). Key Words: Bungu; proximate analysis; major nutrients Biokemistri Vol.16(2) 2004: 88-92