Potentials of Selected Spices in South-East Nigeria: Proximate, Phytochemical, and Minerals Perspectives
Keywords:
Spices, phytochemical, proximate, mineral, analytical toolsAbstract
This study examined the phytochemicals, proximate, and metal compositions of ten (10) different local spices obtained from Relief market in Owerri, Imo State. The local spices investigated were five (5) leaves namely celery, mint, coriander, bay, country onions and five (5) seeds namely cinnamon, parsley, orima, fennel, and fenugreek. Proximate analysis was achieved using standard methods. Mineral composition analysis was done using Flame Photometer and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Phytochemical screening of the samples was carried following standard methods. The result of the phytochemical test showed that the local spices contained all the bioactive molecules except for the absence of terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and hydrogen cyanide in some of spices. Proximate analysis result revealed that the ash content of the samples ranged between 1.71-25.17%, moisture content (2.14-18.34%), fiber (2.14-29.19%), lipid (0.94-7.32), protein (4.75-24.59%), carbohydrate (26.78-76.72%), and energy (707.38-1494.13 kJ/100g). The mineral composition showed that the local spices contained low levels of copper (0.15-0.28 mg/kg), zinc (0.36-0.89 mg/kg), and manganese (1.25-12.35 mg/kg) and high levels of calcium (1366.25-4040.25 mg/kg), magnesium (583.13-3446.28 mg/kg), potassium (666.25-1947.50 mg/kg), sodium (362.30-405.00 mg/kg), phosphorus (55.00-218.75 mg/kg), and iron (48.80-109.35 mg/kg). The mineral composition showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) in magnesium, potassium, iron, sodium, and calcium contents. This work recommends the application of the spices as supplementary sources of essential nutrients to man, livestock, and antimicrobial agent.Downloads
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