Comparative analysis of nutritional contents in the leaf, pulp and seed of Adansonia digitata L. consumed in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Adansonia digitata L. is a tree commonly called Baoba tree which is a native of African savannah widely distributed in arid zones of Sahara. This study was carried out to investigate the native uses and nutritional content (peoximate composition and minerals profile) of the leaf, pulp and seed of A. digitata L. (Baoba).  The methods adopted for data collection included well-structured questionnaire, field and laboratory methods. Results from the survey revealed that different ethnic groups in Adamawa used parts of A. digitata L. for medicine, food, spices and special drinks. The results of proximate composition showed protein 38.18, 17.57 and 48.49% in the leaf, pulp and seed of Baoba tree, respectively. The carbohydrate content showed 37.30, 63.71 and 22.95%, respectively. The moisture and ash contents in the three samples ranged between 6.30 and 11%, while the crude fiber ranged from 1 to 3%. The minerals content in the pulp samples revealed that Mg and Fe significantly recorded the highest. There was significant difference in both minerals and nutritional profiles in the three parts of A. digitata L. In conclusion, the three parts of the plants studied contained important nutrients and minerals that are good for human consumption and therefore conservation strategies should be employed to ensure sustainability in utilization of the plant products.   Key words:  Savannah, Adansonia digitata L, Baoba, minerals, leaf, pulp.