Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Analysis and Elemental Characterization of Raphia taedigera Seed

Abstract

Aim: The proximate, qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals, and elemental analysis of Raphia taedigera seed for useful bioactive contents were determined. Results: The results showed the seed contained 6.56%, moisture; 1.96%, ash; 4.56%, protein; 7.50%, crude fibre; 5.30%, fats and 74.12% carbohydrate. Qualitative screening of the ethanolic extract of the seed revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars and amino acid. Quantitatively, the seed contained 4.825 mg/100 g, alkaloids; 0.418 mg/100 g, phenols; 0.319 mg/100 g, tannins; 5.190 mg/100 g, saponin and 1.651 mg/100 g, flavonoid. Elemental analysis using proton-induced x-ray emission showed the seed contained 18.6 ± 2.8, sodium (Na); 2864.7 ± 30.4, magnesium (Mg) 158.9 ± 7.6, aluminium (Al); 885.4 ± 8.1, silicon (Si); 610.8 ±11.8, phosphorus (P); 587.3 ± 8.0, sulphur (S); 1527.9 ± 8.7, chlorine (Cl); 28996.6 ± 31.9, potassium (K); 18070.6 ± 77.7, calcium (Ca); 53.6 ± 8.8, titanium (Ti); 19.9 ± 8.1, chromium (Cr); 112.2 ± 9.7, manganese (Mn); 128.4 ± 6.9, iron (Fe); 9.1 ± 4.0, zinc (Zn) and 51.3 ± 15.2, strontium (Sr). Conclusion: The high content of carbohydrate in the sample shows that it can serve as an alternative source of energy as feed and for ethanol production. The presence of different ranges of phytochemicals revealed how significant it can be as medicinal use. High concentrations of some of the elements revealed how useful the seed can be to promote various physiological activities in the body.