Nutrients, phenolics, fatty acids and mineral composition of <i>Telfairia</i> <i>pedata</i> (SIMS) hook seed kernels obtained from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Abstract

In this study, the nutrients, phenolics, minerals and fatty acids compositions of the seed kernels of <i>Telfairia</i> <i>pedata</i> was determined using standard laboratory procedures. The results from Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated that the studied <i>T.</i> <i>pedata</i> was composed of 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol (9%), pentadecanol (2%), di(2- propylpentyl)phthalic acid (5.8%), myristic acid (1.5%), palmitic acid (14%), linoleic acid (44%) and others. Quantification of fatty acids showed linoleic acid (500 μg/mL), oleic acid (350 μg/mL), 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (403 μg/mL), palmitic acid (410 μg/mL), heneicosanoic acid (462 μg/mL) and others. Proximate analysis indicated moisture (5.06%), total ash (1.22%), crude fat (62%), crude fibre (0.89%), crude protein (23.05%) and total carbohydrate (7.78%). Mineral composition analysis showed the presence of K (320.71 μg/ mL), Na (130.98 μg/mL), Mg (6.45 μg/mL), Ca (8.01 μg/mL), Fe (2.46 μg/mL), Zn (0.62 μg/ mL), Cu (0.69 μg/mL) and Mn (0.2 μg/mL). These results suggest that the seeds of <i>T.</i> <i>pedata</i> could be a good source of supplements to improve cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobials. The seeds could also be a source of proteins, fats, and minerals to alleviate malnutrition especially for children under 5 years. Furthermore, since these seeds are rich in oil, they could be used for production of soaps, paints and lubricants.