Nutritional Potential of Berlandier Nettle Spurge (Jatropha cathartica) Seed

The proximate composition, mineral content and some antinutritional components of Jatropha cathartica seed were studied. Proximate analysis showed that Jatropha cathartica contains 2.53% moisture, 47.13% crude fat, 1.60% crude fibre, 38.50% crude protein, 6.32% ash 6.45% carbohydrate. The seeds are rich in various minerals with highest values occurring for Nitrogen (6.16%), Phosphorus (2.13%) Magnesium (1.03%) and Potassium (0.99%). Copper and Nickel were not detected in the sample. The seeds contain 2.95% and 0.41% phytate and tannin respectively. It could therefore be inferred that the seeds of Jatropha cathartica is nutritionally promising because of its high nutrient content and low antinutrient level.