Department of Chemistry, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, P M B 5080, Port Harcourt
Abstract
The physicochemical and proximate compositions of African Elemi were investigated by analyzing the moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash content, crude fibre and total carbohydrates in the seed and pulp. The association of official analytical chemists (AOAC, 1990) methods were used. Values obtained for the physicochemical and proximate analysis of whole seeds and pulps were; seed length( 4.5cm and 6.0cm), thickness (4.0cm and 6.0cm),shape (oblong),free fatty acid content (3.52% and 3.28%), miv (1.72% and 1.70%),melting point (32°C and 30°C),moisture (25.62% and 26.09%), dry matter, ash (3.14% and 3.31), crude fat (30.06% and 30.56%), crude fibre (0.76% and 0.78%), carbohydrate (20.03% and 20.05% ), protein (19.28% and 19.31%). The results suggest that the whole seeds and pulp of African elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii ), can serve as a good source of essential nutrients for humans and livestock.