NUTRITIONAL AND ANTI-NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF THE SEEDS OF SIX SELECTED NIGERIAN CUCURBIT GERMPLASM.

Biochemical characterization of the seed extracts of the seeds of six selected Nigerian cucurbit germplasm was carried out using standard biochemical procedures. All treatments were replicated three times and the results presented as mean ± S.E. On proximate analysis, percentage moisture ranged from (3.83±0.10%) to (5.17±0.65%) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora (5.17±0.65%) while the least value (3.83±0.10%) was obtained in Cucurbita pepo. Crude protein composition ranged from (32.66-0.11) to (35.94±2.89%) the highest (35.94±2.89%) in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (32.66-0.11%) was for Cucurbita maxima. Crude carbohydrate ranged from (27.33±0.20) to (36.66±0.2) with the highest (35.66±0.20) in Citrullus lanatus while the least (27.33±0.20) was for Cucurbita pepo. Crude lipid analysis showed the range of values (31.33±0.27%) to (24.50±0.29%) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (24.50±0.29%). Crude fiber contents ranged from (15.83±1.23%) to (5.68±0.87%) with the highest (15.83±1.23%) in Cucurbita maxima while Lagenaria breviflora had (5.83±0.07%). Ash content revealed the range of values (9.17±0.52) to (5.86±0.29%) with the highest (9.17±0.52%) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (5.86±0.29%) was in Lagenaria breviflora. Analysis of available energy (kcal.) revealed the range of values (555.97±2.45) to (500.90±2.21 kcal) with the highest in Cucumeropsis mannii while Citrullus lanatus had (500.90±2.21 kcal). With significant difference (P=0.05) in the contents of crude carbohydrates, lipids, crude fiber and available energy in (kcal). Mineral analysis revealed nitrogen (N) composition with a range of values (3.11±0.38) to (5.75±0.97 g/100 g) with the highest in Lagenaria breviflora while the least (3.11±0.38) g/100 g was in Citrullus lanatus. Sodium (Na) analysis revealed the range of values (11.83±0.79) to (31.67±2.43) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita pepo (31.67±2.43) g/100 g while Cucumeropsis mannii had the least (11.83±0.79 g/100 g). Magnesium (Mg) analysis similarly revealed range of values (22.00±1.18) to (34.60±2.17) g/100 g with the highest in Cucurbita maxima (34.60±2.17) g/100 g while the least value (22.00±1.18 g/100 g) was in Lagenaria siceraria. Similarly, calcium (Ca) analysis revealed the presence of the valuable mineral with a range of values (10.83±1.32) to (36.67±2.76) g/100 g) with highest (36.67±2.67 g/100 g) in Cucurbita maxima while the least (10.83±1.32 g/100 g) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima. Contents of phosphorus (P) revealed the range of values (4.50±0.66) to (5.71±0.98) g/100 g with the highest (5.71±0.98 g/100 g) in Lagenaria siceraria while least (4.50±0.66) g/100 g was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. More so, analysis of potassium (K) revealed a range of values (1,266.67±3.67) to (2,266.70±3.69 g/100 g) with the highest (2,266.70±3.69) g/100 g in the seeds of Cucurbita maxima while the least (1,266.67±3.67 g/100 g) was obtained in Citrullus lanatus. With significant difference (P=0.05) among the species in the contents of sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Based on phytochemicals analyzed, tannin content was highest in the seeds of Citrullus lanatus with (29.66±2.26) while the least value (11.62±0.84) was obtained in Cucurbita maxima. Volatile oil analysis ranged from (25.47±1.90) in Lagenaria siceraria while the least (11.68±0.69) was obtained in Cucurbita pepo. There is significant difference (P=0.05) in the contents of phenol between Citrullus lanatus and the other species. Also, similar trend have been found to occur in the composition of saponin glycosides, as well as the volatile oil. Based on these results, it can be asserted that seeds of the members of Cucurbitaceae are high in proximate, minerals and phytochemicals that could be harnessed as food by man as well as used in animal feed formulation strategies in addition to various vital applications of the phytochemicals evaluated in the seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]