Proximate composition of some unfamiliar plant seeds in Nigeria - A short report

The nutrient composition of some neglected and less familiar plant seeds was studied. The seeds showed wide variation in constituents and could be compared with commonly consumed food articles. The protein content ranged írom 29.2 g /kg in Callitris intratropica to 253.5 g/kg in Percopsis elata, while the carbohydrate content was found to be between 330.5 g/kg and 734.8 g/kg in P. elata and Dracena mannii, respectively. The highest fat and fibre content of 215 g/kg and 290.5 g/kg occurred in P. elata and C. intratropica, respectively. P. elata, D. mannii and C. intratropica promises a good source of protein, carbohydrate and fibre, respectively. The legumes showed high ash content but most seeds were rich in Mg, K and F and defficient in Na and Cu. Investigation of the antin utrients and possible toxic effects of the seeds is necessary before their full utilisation