Bulletins of Natural and Applied Sciences
Vol. 3(1):14-22
Nutritional Composition of Carica papaya (Papaya) Seeds from Bida, Niger State, Nigeria
*1Aminu Abba, 1Muhammad Sadiq Yinti, 1Kabiru Jega Umar, 2Jaafar Umar, 3Abdullahi Umar, 1Abdullahi Aliyu, 1Muhammad Shamsu Bunza and 4Sarajo Bala Dandare 1Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Federal University,
ABSTRACT
Despite the widespread consumption of papaya (Carica papaya) seeds for therapeutic purposes, limited research exists on their nutritional and anti-nutritional composition. This study evaluated the nutritional profile and anti-nutrient content of papaya seeds sourced from Bida, Niger State, Nigeria, focusing on their potential health benefits and safety. The AOAC recommendations were followed in the analysis of the proximate composition. AAS method was used to determine mineral content while the Phytate and oxalate were analysed using spectroscopic and titrimetric methods, respectively. Proximate analysis revealed a high carbohydrate (20.93% DW) and fibre (28.48% DW) content, indicating their role as an energy source and in cholesterol management. The seeds also contained residual moisture (5.35% DW) and ash (6.74% DW), suggesting low inorganic mineral levels. Elemental analysis identified magnesium (64.0 mg/kg) and calcium (658 mg/kg) as key minerals. Anti-nutrient assessment detected phytate (3.12 mg/100g), oxalate (7.50 mg/100g), hydrogen cyanide (0.25 mg/100g), tannins (0.1195 mg/100g), flavonoids (6.98 mg/100g), and steroids (1.08 mg/100g) at safe levels, while alkaloids (1.85 mg/100g) warranted caution. Findings suggest that papaya seeds are a nutrient-rich dietary component with therapeutic potential, though moderate consumption is advised due to alkaloid content. This study provides valuable insights for their safe utilization in food and traditional medicine.
