Nutritional Composition, Physico-Chemical Properties and Phytochemical Analysis of Oil from Cucumeropsismannii (Sefophe) Seeds from Takatokwane in Botswana
Botswana is well endowed with abundant vegetable oil producing plants which have not been fully exploited on the nutritional and phytochemical profile. The communities use these plants for food and medicine. Nutrient data (g/100g) obtained showed that Cucumeropsismannii seeds had moisture 3.89, crude protein 9.07, ash content 3.20, crude fiber 21.26, total carbohydrate 18.14. The oil yield in the seeds was 44.4%. The high oil content is an indication that these seeds are a good source of oil. The mineral content (mg/100g) were as shown: Na (4.44), K (537.9), Mg (93.15), Ca (71.13), Mn (1.89), Fe (12.79), and Zn (5.55). Mineral analysis indicated that the seed contains important macro and micro minerals, which play a significant role in protection of the body from diseases. Oil from Cucumeropsismannii seeds was also extracted and characterized using Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) methods for physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening, and quantitative analysis. The results revealed that the saponification value (mg KOH/g), acid value (mg KOH/g), peroxide value (mg peroxide/kg), specific gravity, and refractive index were 200.11, 9.54, 1.59, 0.94, and 1.46, respectively. The high saponification value demonstrated that the oil may be suitable for soap making. The low acid value indicated that the oil was edible; while the low peroxide value indicated that the oil was less susceptible to oxidation and rancidity, deterioration, and off flavours at room temperature. With respect to phytochemicals, they were all present in the oil extracts. The total flavonoid content was 2.21 mg/g catechin equivalent. The total phenol content was 1.72 mg GAE/g. The radical scavenging activity was 94.3 ± 10.8 VCEAC/100g. Phytochemicals are active biological compounds found in plant and they are source of medicinal agents which are beneficial to the human body.
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