Nutritional Value and Amino Acid Profile of Dried Seeds of Cucumeropsis mannii (Cucurbitaceae)

Aims: To assess the biochemical, phytochemical and amino acid content from Cucumeropsis mannii dried seeds flours grown in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa).

Study Design: Experimental.

Place and duration of study: Sample: Laboratory of Nutrition and Food Security, Nangui Abrogoua University

Methodology: Cucumeropsis mannii seeds were obtained for this study from an experimental field in Gagnoa (Côte d’Ivoire). In March 2022, seeds were planted and after 7 months, the mature fruits that lead to the complete drying of the plant were harvested.

Results: The biochemical composition of the seeds revealed that they contain varying proportions of carbohydrates, fibers, ash, total sugars with contents of 9.28 ± 0.79 %; 2.72 ± 0.30 %; 3.12 ± 0.38; 2.34 ± 0.05, respectively. High levels of lipids, proteins, dry matter and energy were observed in seed flour with values of 47.46 ± 1.55 %; 31.80 ± 1.16 %; 94.38 ± 0.6 %; 591.46 ± 1.17 kcal /100 g DM. The resulting flour reached a pH of 6.5. The study of phytochemicals showed varying levels of oxalate (0.32 g/100g DM), tannins (3.02 g TAE/ 100g DM), total polyphenols (8.12 mg GAE / g DM), total flavonoids (27.5 mg QE/g DM) and carotenoids (2.9 µg/100g DM). Furthermore, they were potential sources of essential amino acids, including histidine (905.6 mg/100g), isoleucine (844.5 mg/100g), threonine (730.1mg/100g), phenylalanine (550.0 mg/100g), valine (469.9 mg/100g), leucine (456.6 mg/100g), and methionine (358.5 mg/100g).

Conclusion: The overall result implies that Cucumeropsis mannii seeds could be added to the food preparations of malnourished children.