Research Article
NwogwugwuN. U, Abu G. O., Aka
Abstract
The chemical composition of Calabash and Fluted Pumpkin pulps was studied. The analyses conducted include: proximate, mineral and phytochemical components of the pulps. Proximate results for Calabash and Fluted Pumpkin pulp, respectively, are: carbohydrate (87.62 ± 0.58) and (26.10 ± 0.57); ash (2.47 ± 0.72) and (6.05 ± 0.21); crude fiber (4.87 ± 0.76) and (58.93 ± 0.81); crude fat (1.28 ± 0.15) and (2.73 ± 0.14); crude proteins (3.76 ± 0.12) and (6.17 ± 0.07); and moisture (86.6 ± 0.82) and (91.50 ± 0.7) per cent. Mineral analysis for Calabash and Fluted Pumpkin pulp in mg/100g respectively are as follows: Calcium (28.62 and 2.74); Sodium (18.40 and 7.84); Potassium (7.25 and 39.63); Iron (0.38 and 0.26); Zinc (3.72 and 0.94); Magnessium (9.48 and 6.03); and Phosphorus (0.43 and 5.27). Fluted pumpkin pulp had the following phytochemicals in mg/100g: alkaloid (8.3); flavonoid (6.4); phenol (12.5); saponin (5.7); and tannin (13.8). Quantitative analysis of toxicants in Calabash in mg/100g gave results as: oxalate (42.38); phytate (16.94); and anti-oxidant (10.82). Phytochemicals in Calabash pulp were determined qualitatively, and represented thus: alkaloid (++); flavonoid (++); saponin (+); tannin (+++); and glycoside (+++). These results suggest that Calabash and Fluted Pumpkin pulp could be applied in medicine, industry, nutrition, and agriculture.