Author(s): Ebere Ugochukwu, Emma Mazi, Oganezi Nuria, Okoronkwo Christopher* and Theressa Agbaeze
Objective: Amino Acid, phytochemical and Acute Toxicity levels (LD50) of date palm seeds were evaluated in the present study. Seeds of five varieties of date palm fruits at mature stage were manually isolated, soaked in water, oven dried and milled into flour. Five varieties of Deglet Nour, Lulu, Bomaan, Fardh and Barhe were used.
Results: The seeds contained all the essential and non-essential amino acids. Leucine was in highest quantity of (10.10-12.02g/100g protein) while Glutamic acid had the highest amount of 18.62-21.04g/100g protein. Significant amount of oxalate (6.31-8.89 mg/100g), phytate (5.15-8.37mg/100g), Hydrogen Cyanide (3.26-5.34mg/100g), Tannin (3.40-6.31mg/100g), Saponin (2.29-4.36mg/100g) were found in all the five varieties. The LD50 tests outcome suggests that the samples were completely free from any form of toxicity since all treated experimental animals showed no sign of toxicity, rather looked physically healthy and emotionally stable all through the period, even at 5000mg/kg body weight of the samples.
Conclusion: The seeds were found to be edible and safe. They can be used in formulating diets. Conventional processing methods will ensure the elimination of the anti-nutrients.The seed flour can therefore be used as composite with other flours and hence find application in food industries such as bakery industry.
