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Published:
Dec 31, 2018Keywords:
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The nutrient and phytochemical components of monodara myristica seed
Abstract
Background: Monodora myristica is one of the common herbal spices used in the ethnomedicine of the Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria alternative medicine. It is claimed to possess valued therapeutic and nutritive properties.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the nutrient and phytochemical components of M. myristica seed, sold in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Methods: The seed was processed into spice powder before subjection to proximate, minerals, phytochemicals and terpenes evaluations using standard methods.
Results:The proximate composition found: Protein 3.85±0.10%, moisture 9.02±0.37%, fat 9.74±0.02%, ash 11.75±0.21%,crude fiber5.85±0.41% and carbohydrate64.65±1.31%. Vitamins present were Vitamin A1.27±0.03%, Vitamin .B 0.63±0.02% and Vitamin C 0.34±0.02%.The spice contained the mineral elements potassium, sodium and magnesium in high amounts, and calcium, iron, manganese, copper and zinc in low amounts. Tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phytates, oxalates and phenols were the phytochemicals detected. Delta 3 carene was the major terpene detected at 0.4231% followed by rho cymene (0.2506%), alpha pinene (0.1567%), beta myrcene (0.1102%). Majority of the terpenes were present in trace amounts. The spice powder is vitamins and minerals rich.
Conclusion: The medicinal functions of the plant can be attributed to its diverse phytochemicalpotentials.
