Proximate Composition, Functional and Qualitative Analyses of Sweet Detar (Deterium Senegalense)

Abstract

Detarium microcarpum also known as sweet detar tree, is an underutilized tree legume that grows natively in the drier parts of West and Central Africa. Referred to as taura in Hausa language. Proximate composition, functional and qualitative phytochemical analysis was determined on the three parts of the sweet deter fruit (Bark, flesh and whole fruit). The result shows no significantly in the moisture content of the whole fruit (9.29%) and bark (9.30%) compared to the fruit pulp (8.95%). Ash contents should no significant difference between the pulp (1.87%) and the bark (1.92%). High protein content was observed in the fruit pulp (9.94%), while high fiber content was observed in the whole fruit. The fruit showed a significantly low fat content (2.49, 2.98 and 2.70%) respectively. Water absorption capacity shows a significantly different result with the highest in the pulp (8.90%) and the lowest in the bark (7.08%). The pH of both samples where acidic (5.5, 5.6 and 5.5), respectively. The fruit pulp gelatinized higher with about 70% compared to the other samples (bark and whole fruit). Flavonoids was found in abundance in the pulp, while moderate in the bark and the whole fruit. Alkaloids where mild in all the samples. Steroids where observed in abundance in all the samples, but no tannins where observed.