Chemical evaluation of the nutritive value of seeds of African breadfruit (Treculia africana)

Abstract

The chemical composition and nutritive value of the seeds of African breadfruit, Treculia africana, Decne var. Africana, have been investigated. Analysis of the seeds showed that they contained, in terms of dry weight, 13·4% protein, 18·9% lipid, 58·1% carbohydrate, 1·4% crude fibre and 2·1% ash. The moisture content was found to be 7·8% in terms of wet weight. The mineral elements determined were Na, 7·0mg%; Mg, 184mg%; Ca, 17·5mg%; K, 585mg%; P, 382mg%; Cu, 3·9mg%; Fe, 1·6mg%; Cr, 0·20mg% and Zn, 7·5mg%. Vitamins B1, 0·5mg%; B2, 0·3mg% C, 45·1mg% and β-carotene, 6·0mg% were found to be present in the seeds. The levels of some toxic substances in the seeds were oxalate (soluble), 2·5mg% (total), 3·0mg%; phytate, 2·0mg%; tannin, 15·0mg% and HCN, 1·1mg%. The amino acid composition of the seeds has been studied and the results show that some amino acids are present at high concentrations whilst others are present at only low, or undetectable, levels. © 1985.