Chemical Composition of the Dry Fruit ofTetrapleura tetrapteraand its Potential Impact on Human Health

Abstract

The chemical composition of Tetrapleura tetraptera, used traditionally as a spice and in African folk medicine, was determined. The proximate composition (%) based on dry weight was ash (3.17 to 3.48); crude protein (5.13 to 8.65); sugar (3.29 to 39.63); and starch (7.56 to 29.10). The mineral content (mg/kg) based on dry weight was Fe (29.69 to 65.06); Zn (5.35 to 25.16); Cu (4.00 to 12.54); Mg (392.35 to 2951.28); Mn (16.23 to 178.91);, Na (119.48 to 2364.93); Ca (1348.63 to 13839.86); K (8631.09 to 14881.00); and B (1.14 to 6.23). The sugar, starch, Zn, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ca; and K contents were different in different sections of the fruit (p < 0 .05). The phytochemicals (mg/100 g) based on dry weight were total polyphenol (38.05 to 2907.15); flavonoid (10.30 to 410.75); saponin (60.80 to 953.40); tannin (135.50 to 1097.50); and phytate (1021.00 to 5170.00). The phytochemical composition in the fruits was generally high and comparable to other commonly used spices, indicating the potential use of 52 Chemical Composition and Health Impacts of Tetrapleura tetraptera 53T. tetraptera as a source of these phytochemicals in traditional medicine.

Determination of Chlorophylls, Carotenoids, and Fatty Acid Profiles ofTetrapleura TetrapteraSeeds and their Health Implication

“…The illnesses treated with it include hypertension, diuretic actions, management of convulsions, leprosy, rheumatic pain, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, arthritis (1)(2)(3)9,13,24,25). The phytochemical properties of the plant have been investigated and found to possess mollucidal, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, and toxic properties.…”

“…The plant is a small tree found in tropical forest with features such as aerial fruits, which is made up of woody shell, fleshy pulp, and brownish-black seeds (9).…”

“…Tetrapleura tetraptera (Leguminosae) is known in an Akan language as Prekesse, Aidan in western Nigeria (9), and uhiokiriho in southeastern Nigeria (3). The plant is a small tree found in tropical forest with features such as aerial fruits, which is made up of woody shell, fleshy pulp, and brownish-black seeds (9).…”

Effect of Prekese (Tetrapleura tetraptera) Seed Powder on the Sensory Characteristics and Nutritional Qualities of Pork Sausage

“…Food Resour. Sci., 4 (1): 17-22, 2015 are used as spices in the preparation of local dishes can be used to replace imported spices for seasoning meat products (Akin-Idowu et al, 2011;Adu-Adjei et al, 2014;Teye et al, 2014Teye et al, , 2015Amanfo et al, 2015). In West Africa, the plant Tetrapleura tetraptera (locally known as Prekese) is used as a spice, a medicine and as a dietery supplement rich in vitamins (Cangao, 2011;Abugri and Pritchett, 2013).…”

“…In West Africa, the plant Tetrapleura tetraptera (locally known as Prekese) is used as a spice, a medicine and as a dietery supplement rich in vitamins (Cangao, 2011;Abugri and Pritchett, 2013). The fruit shell, fruit pulp and the seed of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Prekese) contain varying amounts of nutrients, such as protein, lipids and minerals, which are comparable with some popular spices, such as red pepper, onion, curry and ginger, so it use as spice to replace imported spices in meat products may not affect consumer acceptance (Akin-Idowu et al, 2011;Abugri and Pritchett, 2013). Lartey (2012) reported that the use of Prekese pod powder as a spice in sausage and burger showed a promising result in the sensory characteristics and nutritional qualities of the products.…”