Proximate Analysis and Elemental Composition of Terminalia Catappa Fruit

Introduction: Terminalia catappa is a large tropical tree in the lead wood tree family, combretacea. This plant is regarded as a medicinal plant and can be used in the treatment of cough, syphilis, hydropsy, rheumatism, and other infections.

Aim: This study assessed the nutritional value of Terminalia catappa and the composition of elements present in the plant fruit.

Methods: Proximate analysis was carried out according to food chemistry analytical methods and elements were estimated by atomic absorption and flame spectroscopy respectively.

Results: Proximate analysis showed that the fruits contained 81.96% moisture content, 1.47% ash, 0.04% crude fat, 1.11% crude protein, 14.05% carbohydrate, and 1.41% crude fibre. The fruits were found to be good sources of minerals. Sodium (2.1±0.01 mg/100 g), potassium (72.5±1.03 mg/100 g), calcium (320±2.00mg/100g), magnesium (20±2.65 mg/100 g), iron (20±3.0 mg/100 g), manganese (2±0.36 mg/100 g), and zinc (8±1.25 mg/100 g).

Conclusion: The results revealed the presence of nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, crude fats, crude fibre, moisture, and ash in small amounts. And elements analysis shows that sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and zinc are in appreciable amount. These constituents are therefore responsible for the biochemical values of Terminalia catappa fruits.