PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF TIGER NUT (Cyperus esculentus) SEED

February 29, 2024 Evano Comments 0 Comment

ABSTRACT

This study on phytochemical analysis of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) seed was carried out using standard analytical methods. The result of the study revealed the following; Saponin (2.776±0.049 mg/100g), Alkaloid (1.502±0.014 mg/100g), Flavonoid (4.280±0.042 mg/100g), Tannin (0.727±0.012 mg/100g) and HCN (0.473±0.054 mg/100g). most of the phytochemicals were present in small amount when compared with previous studies, their presence implies that the consumption of the plant will provide health benefits.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page – – – – – – – – – i

Certification – – – – – – – – – ii

Dedication – – – – – – – – – iii

Acknowledgements – – – – – – – iv

Abstract – – – – – – – – – v

Table of Contents – – – – – – – – vi-viii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION – – – – – –

1.1 Background of the Study – – – – – –

1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study – – – –

1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study – – – –

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW – – – – –

2.1 Description of Cypetrus esculentus – – – –

2.2 Distribution of tiger nut – – – – – –

2.3 Cultivation of tiger nut – – – – – –

2.4 Products of tiger nut – – – – – –

2.5 Uses of tiger nut – – – – – – –

2.5.1 Production of drink – – – – – –

2.5.2 Use as food – – – – – – – –

2.6 Health Importance of Phytochemicals – – – –

2.6.1 Flavonoid – – – – – – – –

2.6.2 Tannin – – – – – – – –

2.6.3 Alkaloids – – – – – – – –

2.6.4 Terpenes – – – – – – – –

2.6.5 Saponins – – – – – – – –

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1 Materials – – – – – – – –

3.2 Methods – – – – – – – –

3.2.1 Sample Collection and Preparation – – – –

3.3 Phytochemical Analysis – – – – – –

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results – – – – – – – –

4.2 Discussion – – – – – – – –

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS – –

5.1 Conclusion – – – – – – – –

5.2 Recommendations – – – – – – –

References

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is an edible perennial grass-like C4 plant of the sedge family (Turesson, 2010), nut grass, yellow nut sedge, earth almond, edible galingale and ground almond. It is widely used for human and animal’s consumption as a nutritious food and feed in Africa, Europe and America. Tiger nut is rich in starch, oil, mineral and vitamin E and C. The starch and oil are major macronutrients in the tiger nut tuber. High starch content of this plant provides unique functional properties (Manek, 2012), cold storage stabilities, and preserves organoleptic properties of foods. The tiger nut oil also has high monounsaturated fatty acids, similar to olive. Avocado and hazelnut oil. This monounsaturated oil has high unsaponifiable matter, phospholipids and other bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, phospholipids and polyphenols. Although tiger nut oil fatty acid profile is similar to olive oil, nut oil has unique gold-yellow colour, neutral taste properties, high in phytosterols and better deep-frying stability. The nutritional profiles and unique functional properties have made tiger nut as unique food like beverage, flour edible oil, and a feed source.

Tiger nut belong to the kingdom of plantea, phylum tracheophyta, class liliopsida, Order cyperales, family cyperaceace with scientific name Cyperus esculstus. It is a perennial herb growing in seasonally flooded area, swaps, but usually found in cultivated lands. The roots are edible, used as drugs and plant used as ceremonialemetic (Odebjiyi, 1978). Roots are used for cold remedy and are chewed for cough and also used for snake bites. It is also veterinary medicine, the chewed roots are placed in horses nostrils as a stimulant.

Tiger nut “Cyperus esculentus lativum” is an underutilized tuber of family Cyperaceace, which produces rhizomes from the base of the tuber that is somewhat spherical. It is a tuber that grow freely and is consumed widely in Nigeria, other parts of West Africa, East Africa, part of Europe particularly Spain as well as in the Arabian Peninsula. It has been reported that grainy sandy group and mild temperatures are special for the cultivation growth of earth tuber (Abaejoh, 1986). Tiger nut tubers appear somewhat long or round in shape with dimension of 8mm to 16mm, smaller size however, are not used for human consumption. When hydrated, it is slightly harder (nut texture), but with is April to November. Being cultivated through continuance irrigation, tiger nut has to be properly dried before storage. The drying process completely natural, (i.e sun drying) and the process can take up to one month. The dehydrating process ensures longer shelf life, preventing rot or any other bacterial infection securing their quality and nutrition level. Unfortunately, the dehydration process make the tiger nut skin wrinkled a situation that limits its acceptability to some people. It is known in Nigeria as “Aya” in Hausa, “OFio” in Yoruba and “Akiausa” in Igbo where these varieties (black, brown and yellow) are cultivated.

As food, tiger nut can be eaten as snack which can be prepared by soaking in water for few minutes. It can also be eaten roasted, dried baked and can be made into a refreshing beverage called “Horchata De Chufas” of tiger nut milk. It also finds uses as a flavouring agent for ice cream and biscuits, as well as in making oil, soap, starch and flour. Tiger nut has a unique sweet that is found to be idea for use in the baking industry. It can be us in making delicious cakes and biscuits and also as component of fruit favors. Through various analyses, there is a strong belief in the benefits of flour for health reasons as it has been found to be an alternative for dietetics and it is gluten free which in any case, is a positive alternative within the use of any type of flour. The tiger nut milk compared with any other soft drink is not just a refreshing drink but also very healthy. It contributes to the reduction in the in cholesterol by diminishing the “bad” cholesterol low density Lipoprotein (LDL), and increasing the “good” cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL). It content of vitamin E also collaborates against the cholesterol because it has an antioxidant effect over fats, which are idea for coronary heart disease. Cyperus esculentus was reported to help in preventing heart, thrombosis and activates blood circulation, responsible for preventing and treating urinary tract and bacterial infection assist in reducing the risk of colon cancer. It could also be recommended for those who have problems with digestion, flatulence, and diarrhea because it provides some digestive enzymes like catalase, lipase and amylase (Adejuyitan, 2011).

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is a major source of food and income for most Nigerians and Africans as a whole. Despite the extensive use of this nut for both nutritional and medicinal purposes.

1.2 Aims and Objectives of the Study

The aim of this study was to carry out phytochemical analysis of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) seed.

The objectives of this study are;