Biochemical analysis of Brachystegia aurycoma harms seeds

Abstract

A biochemical analysis of Brachystegia eurycoma hurm seeds was conducted. Brachystegia, of the family Leguminosae sub-family: Caesalpinioideae is a timber tree whose seeds ``achi", are relished as soup condiment by the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria. The seeds were subjected to oil extraction using the Sorhler method. The oil was subjected to chemical analysis to determine the saponification, iodine, free fatty acid and acid values. Proximate analysis was carried out on the seed meal and the seed coal. Results showed that the oil content was 3.33% which is of good quality and fit for Human consumption. The saponification value was  287.85mg/KOH/g, Free fally acid value 6.73mg/KOH/g. and iodine value 132.08%. The proximate analysis of the seed meal showed that the moisture content 11318 /5.77%, ash 25%, protein 4.25%, crude fibre 19.05% and nitrogen free extractives (carbohydrates) 21.58%. It shows the seed nical as a good source of plant protein and energy and of high roughage and mineral content. The proximate analysis of the seed coat showed that the ws/ content was 8.33%. The calcium and magnesium contents were 30.00 and 18.00% respectively. This shows that the seed coat can be a supplement in livestock feed.