Evaluation of the Minerals, Vitamins and Amino Acids Compositions of the Plukenetia Conophora Root

Abstract

African walnut (Plukenetia conophora Mull.Arg.) plant parts are used traditionally as anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and anti-diabetics agents. The root when chewed cures chronic cough. The minerals, vitamins and amino acids compositions were determined by spectrophotometry methods using official Analytical methods. The mineral analysis revealed Ca, 19625 ± 0.10 mg/kg, Mg, 1760 ± 0.30 mg/kg, Mn, 51 ± 0.22, Cu, 15.01 ±0.01 mg/kg, Zn, 29.40 ± 0.82 mg/kg, Fe, 3275 ±0.02 mg/kg, Na, 6300 ± 0.02 mg/kg, K, 13437 ± 0.3 mg/kg. All the essential amino acids were present except tryptophan and valine while the non-essential amino acids present were glutamic acid (1.89 ±0.08 g/100protein), cysteine (2.06±0.02 g/100protein), tyrosine (0.68±0.03 g/100protein), glycine (0.24±0.02 g/100protein), serine (0.83±0.03 g/100protein) and proline (1.94 ± 0.02 g/100protein). The vitamin analysis showed the presence of thiamine (0.15±0.1 µg/100g, riboflavin (0.08±0.01 µg/100g), niacin (0.14±0.01 µg/100g), cyanocobalamin (0.07±0.02 µg/100g), ascorbic acid (2.63 ± 0.01 mg/100g) and tocopherol (0.64 ± 0.010 µg/100g). The presence of these nutritional constituents justified the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of various ailments hence Plukenetia conophora is of pharmacological importance.