NUTRITIONAL AND ANTI-NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE SEEDS OF SIX SELECTED NIGERIAN CUCURBIT GERMPLASM

Abstract

Biochemical characterization of the seed extracts of the seeds of six selected Nigerian cucurbit germplasm was carried out using standard biochemical procedures. All treatments were replicated three times and the results presented as mean ± S.E. On proximate analysis, percentage moisture ranged from (3.83±0.10%) to (5.17±0.65%) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora (5.17±0.65%) while the least value (3.83±0.10%) was obtained in Cucurbita pepo. Crude protein composition ranged from (32.66-0.11) to (35.94±2.89%) the highest (35.94±2.89%) in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (32.66-0.11%) was for Cucurbita maxima. Crude carbohydrate ranged from (27.33±0.20) to (36.66±0.2) with the highest (35.66±0.20) in Citrullus lanatus while the least (27.33±0.20) was for Cucurbita pepo. Crude lipid analysis showed the range of values (31.33±0.27%) to (24.50±0.29%) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (24.50±0.29%). Crude fiber contents ranged from (15.83±1.23%) to (5.68±0.87%) with the highest (15.83±1.23%) in Cucurbita maxima while Lagenaria breviflora had (5.83±0.07%). Ash content revealed the range of values (9.17±0.52) to (5.86±0.29%) with the highest (9.17±0.52%) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (5.86±0.29%) was in Lagenaria breviflora. Analysis of available energy (kcal.) revealed the range of values (555.97±2.45) to (500.90±2.21 kcal) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (500.90±2.21 kcal). With significant difference (P≤0.05) in the contents of crude carbohydrates, lipids, crude fiber and available energy in (kcal). Mineral analysis revealed nitrogen (N) composition with a range of values (3.11±0.38) to (5.75±0.97 g/100 g) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (3.11±0.38) g/100 g was in Citrullus lanatus. Sodium (Na) analysis revealed the range of values (11.83±0.79) to (31.67±2.43) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita pepo (31.67±2.43) g/100 g while Cucumeropsis mannii had the least (11.83±0.79 g/100 g). Magnesium (Mg) analysis similarly revealed range of values (22.00±1.18) to (34.60±2.17) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita maxima (34.60±2.17) g/100 g while the least value (22.00±1.18 g/100 g) was in Lagenaria siceraria. Similarly, calcium (Ca) analysis revealed the presence of the valuable mineral with a range of values (10.83±1.32) to (36.67±2.76) g/100 g) with highest (36.67±2.67 g/100 g) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (10.83±1.32 g/100 g) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima.