Chemical Profile And Zinc Bioavailability Studies On ‘Hausa Groundnut’ (Kerstingiella Geocarpa)

F. L. Oyetayo* and O. B. Ajayi

Department of Biochemistry, University of Ado-Ekiti (Nigeria)

ABSTRACT: The seeds of ‘Hausa groundnut’ (Kerstingiella geocarpa) were analysed for their chemical constituents. Result of proximate analysis (g/100g) showed that they contain high concentration of crude protein (21.33%) crude fibre; (6.2%), carbohydrate, (61.53%) and low fat concentration (0.98%). The most abundant element in the seeds was phosphorus (9.30mg/g). The seeds however contain moderately high amounts of other minerals; potassium, (7.67mg/g) calcium (8.84mg/g) and sodium (5.67mg/g). Total cyanide (mg/100g) and tannin (%TA) were found in low concentrations. The (Ca):(phytate)/(Zn) molar ratio obtained for the seed (0.02) was far below the critical value of 0.5mol/kg. This result indicates that the phytate concentration in the seeds is not as high as to affect adversely Zn bioavailability. The implications of these findings highlight the nutritive value and safety of these seeds

KEYWORDS: Kerstingiella geocarpa; Hausa groundnut elements; tannin; cyanide

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