Comparative Studies on the Proximate Composition and Anti-Nutrient Content of the Cotyledons of Two Species of Irvingia (Ogbono) Sold in Anyigba Main Market, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Proximate Composition, Mineral Composition, Anti-nutrient factors and Vitamin Composition of irvingia gabonensis and irvingia wombolu seeds were determined using standard analytical techniques. Moistures, ash, crude fat, crude fibre, protein and carbohydrates content of irvingia wombolu and gabonensis were (%): 4.85±0.57 and 6.28±1.5, 1.51±0.12 and 1.71±0.05, 53.8±0.98 and 58.7±0.29 and 9.30±2.94 respectively. The fatty acid and calorific value were recorded for the cotyledon as follows: 43.0 and 47.0 for irvingia wombolu; 2518.4 and 2560.6 for irvingia gabonensis. The most abundant minerals, irvingia wombolu and gabonensis were: Ca (89.3±1.61 and 115.1±2.72) mg/100g sample; K (59.0±1.81 and 84.4±9.0) mg/100g; Na (48.6±2.12 and 64.6±5.11) mg/100g; Mg (41.5±1.15 and 44.5±5.36) Mg/100g; Fe (20.5±0.35) and 36.8±3.75) Mg/100g respectively. Generally the two species were found to be good source of essential minerals while metals such as Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu and Hg were below the detection limit of the AAS used. The levels of Na/K ratios were desirable compared with the recommended values. In the anti-nutrients, Irvingia gabonensis was higher in tannin, oxalate and phytate as follows; Tannin (0.66±0.17 and 0.13±0.02) mg/100g; Oxalate (0.38±0.06 and 0.30±0.08) mg/100g; Phytate (0.02±0.00 and 0.01±0.01) Mg/100g respectively for Irvingia gabonensis and Irvingia wombolu. The analysis showed that the two Irvingia species studied are highly nutritive in minerals and fat content. The benefits of essential nutrients and minerals in maintaining good health were highlighted. Key Words: Irvingia species, cotyledons, proximate composition and Anti-nutrient