Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and seed proximate analysis of Surib (<i>Sesbanialeptocarpa</i> DC.)

Abstract

Background: Surib (Sessbanialeptocarpa) of the family Leguminosae is a wild plant widely spread in Gezira scheme and sometimes its seeds unavoidably get mixed with machinery-harvested crops especially wheat. Different parts of Surib have been used traditionally for various illnesses in Africa where the plant spread widely.
Objectives: To evaluate the nutritional value of Surib.
Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using the conventional chemical tests using precipitation and color reagents as appropriate, while the standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 1980 were used for the determination of the proximate seed composition.
Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of different plant parts (seeds, leaves and roots) extracts showed the presence of alkaloids in seeds and roots. Seeds and leaves of the plants were found to contain saponins, flavanoids, anthraquinones and tannins while the roots are devoid of these constituents. Proximate analysis of the seed revealed that carbohydrates and crude fibers constitute about 80% while proteins and fats values were 5.25 and 6.13% respectively.
Conclusion: The nutrient value of Surib seed is negligible for its low content of proteins and fatty substances and thus it is of no use as animal or human food. The qualitatively determined antinutrient phytoconstituents as tannins, alkaloids, saponins and flavanoids in the seed could be considered as another main limitation to effective utilization of Surib as an animal feed and/or human food.

Keywords: Sesbania leptocarpa, proximate analysis, phytochemical screening.