Phytochemistry and Proximate Composition Of Fruit Pulp And Seed Of Desert Date, Balanites aegyptiaca (Del.)

Fruit pulp and seed nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca Del.) was carried out using standard biochemical procedure. The samples were collected from various locations within the premises of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto main campus. Percentage moisture of the ripe samples (seeds and pulp fruit) was analyzed for proximate, minerals, anti-nutritional, ascorbic acid as well as the physicochemical parameters of the seed oil. The results revealed that the seeds and fruit pulp contained high amount of crude protein (9.35% and 3.97%), lipid (25.0% and 20.0%), ash (6.0%), available carbohydrates (56.31% and 75.53%) with calorific value of (487.67 kcal/100 g and 498.0 kcal/100 g) and the pulp contained high moisture content (60.17%). The mineral elements analyzed show that, the fruit (seeds and pulp) is rich in potassium (383.33 mg/100 g and 256.33 mg/100 g), magnesium (23.67 mg/100 g and 10.67 mg/100 g ), iron (5.97 mg/100 g and 9.77 mg/100 g), zinc (21.47 mg/100 g and 28.73 mg/100 g), and manganese (3.67 mg/100g and 2.50 mg/100 g) were present relatively in large quantities. The pulp content appreciable concentration of ascorbic acid is 17.97 %. Results of anti-nutritional analysis revealed high content of total oxalate (26.25% and 48.75%) and phytic acid (858.95 mg/100 g and 242.91mg/100 g). The oil has saponification value (151.20 mg KOH/g oil), iodine (14.53 g/100 g), acid (14.55 mg KOH/g oil) and peroxide (8.06 meq/kg oil) values. The values of various nutrient and mineral elements varied significantly among the fruit parts (seeds and pulp), which implies potential of different parts can be harnessed to better the lotsof humanity. This is subject to further validation as the fruits, possessed anti-nutritional factors like oxalate and phytic acid, which need to be tackled appropriately while considering the fruits for value addition as health food.