Asian Journal of Biology

This study was aimed at investigating the biologically active compounds and nutritional compositions in the seed kernels of Opioro and Julie varieties with medicinal qualities. The seed kernels were milled, dissolved in methanol and concentrated with rotary evaporator. The chemical compounds in these extracts were analyzed with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry while the mineral and proximate compounds were assessed with the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Both Opioro and Julie did not contain similar chemical compounds. A total of 22 chemical compounds were obtained from Opioro while only 13 compounds were discovered in Julie. Five bioactive compounds from Opioro namely cholest-5-en-3-ol, (3.alpha.) (31.63%), 2-Pyridinamine, N-(4,5-dihydro-5-methyl-2-thiazolyl)-3-methyl- (14.74%), 2-Methyl-7-phenylindole (6.96%), benzo[h]quinoline, 2,4-dimethyl (6.61%) and 7-Methyl -2-phenyl-1H-indole (4.27%) were abundant. In Julie, only Octadecanoic acid, 6-Octadecenoic acid, 1, 2, 3-Benzenetriol and n-Hexadecanoic acid were plentiful with the highest peak percentage of 39.76%, 16.05% and 5.41% respectively. The protein, fibre, moisture and ash contents from Opioro and Julie were not significantly different but, the carbohydrates varied (P<0.05) between 71.36±0.37% and 70.22±0.44% and fats varied (P<0.05) between 7.20±0.48% and 9.21±0.31% respectively. Phosphorus (1610.00±14.00 ppm), calcium (4595.00±7.07 ppm), and magnesium (1984.50±21.92 ppm) were high in Julie while zinc (18.197±0.25), copper (14.960±0.09), iron (319.615±2.28) and manganese (337.940±5.80) were more in Opioro than Julie. The seed kernels of Opioro and Julie have abundant bioactive compounds with medicinal properties. The essential mineral elements and rich proximate compounds in both extracts are potentially required and can be capable of improving the health and nutritional conditions of both humans and animals.