Nutrients, phenolics, fatty acids and mineral composition of Telfairia pedata (SIMS) hook seed kernels obtained from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

  In this study, the nutrients, phenolics, minerals and fatty acids compositions of the seed kernels of Telfairia pedata was determined using standard laboratory procedures. The results from Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated that the studied T. pedata was composed of 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol (9%), pentadecanol (2%), di(2- propylpentyl)phthalic acid (5.8%), myristic acid (1.5%), palmitic acid (14%), linoleic acid (44%) and others. Quantification of fatty acids showed linoleic acid (500 μg/mL), oleic acid (350 μg/mL), 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid (403 μg/mL), palmitic acid (410 μg/mL), heneicosanoic acid (462 μg/mL) and others. Proximate analysis indicated moisture (5.06%), total ash (1.22%), crude fat (62%), crude fibre (0.89%), crude protein (23.05%) and total carbohydrate (7.78%). Mineral composition analysis showed the presence of K (320.71 μg/ mL), Na (130.98 μg/mL), Mg (6.45 μg/mL), Ca (8.01 μg/mL), Fe (2.46 μg/mL), Zn (0.62 μg/ mL), Cu (0.69 μg/mL) and Mn (0.2 μg/mL). These results suggest that the seeds of T. pedata could be a good source of supplements to improve cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobials. The seeds could also be a source of proteins, fats, and minerals to alleviate malnutrition especially for children under 5 years. Furthermore, since these seeds are rich in oil, they could be used for production of soaps, paints and lubricants.