Abstract

Croton zambesicus leaves and seeds were investigated for nutrient contents and fatty acids of their oils. Proximate analysis showed that the leaves and seeds contained (g/100 g) moisture (7.88, 7.94); crude protein (13.13, 9.64); crude fibre (16.63, 15.45), crude fat (15.42, 26.73); ash (9.28, 4.15) and carbohydrate (55.35, 67.09), respectively. The seed contained higher level of potassium (2.2 g/100 g); iron (467.53 mg/100 g) and strontium (869.27 mg/100 g) while the leaf contained higher level of calcium (3.04 g/100 g). The leaves and seeds oils have iodine value above 100 mg/g oil and peroxide value below 10 Meq/kg. Palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acids were higher in concentrations in both the leaves and seeds oil among the saturated, mono unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids detected. The oils contained more polyunsaturated than saturated fatty acids. Both parts could be explored as food supplements.

Keywords:

Euphorbiaceae, fatty acids, minerals, proximate composition, supplements,

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