Nutritive Value of Lagenaria sphaerica Seed (Wild Bottle Gourds) from South-Eastern Nigeria

The nutritive value of Lagenaria sphaerica (Wild Bottle Gourd) from South-Eastern Nigeria was studied. The results show that the nutritional value of this seed is similar to those of curcubitacae (Melon) seeds. Its moisture (7.92%), crude fibre (3.65%) and ash (2.68%) levels compare to those of peanuts, sesame and sunflower but its carbohydrate level is (14.22%) lower. The Lagenaria sphaerica seed is rich in protein (23.48%) and minerals (73.12%). It also contains high lipid levels (44.54%) similar to those of the other oilseeds. The fatty acid profile show linoleate (18.2) as the most abundant (62%). This seed can thus be considered as a rich source of proteins and oils.