Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria

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1 American Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research 2016; 3(5): ISSN: X (Print); ISSN: (Online) Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria Akinyemi O. *, E. W. Iyebor, C. O. Osadebe, N. S. Oniroko Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Nigeria address (Akinyemi O.), (N. S. Oniroko), (C. O. Osadebe), (E. W. Iyebor) * Corresponding author To cite this article Akinyemi O., E. W. Iyebor, C. O. Osadebe, N. S. Oniroko. Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria. American Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research. Vol. 3, No. 5, 2016, pp Received: June 10, 2016; Accepted: June 21, 2016; Published: August 6, 2016 Abstract The analyses of seeds of Ricinus communis collected from Ibadan, South Western Nigeria were carried out to determine its proximate and phytochemical compositions. The proximate analysis showed that the percentage of crude fat was greater than that of crude protein followed by the percentage of crude fibre, moisture and ash respectively. The contents of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and total carbohydrate were 6.397, 26.64, 59.43, 12.72, and 4.360% respectively. The phytochemical screening revealed presence of Alkaloids (+++), Cardiac Glycosides (++), Saponins (+++), Tannins (+), Flavonoids (+), Phenol (++), Phobatannin (+) and Anthraquinone (+). The quantitative analysis showed varying concentrations of alkaloids ( cmol/kg), cardiac glycosides ( cmol/kg), saponins ( cmol/kg), flavonoids ( cmol/kg) and phenol ( cmol/kg). Other constituents investigated in castor bean seeds such as steroids, terpene, cardenolides and chalcones were completely absent. The percentages of crude protein and fat obtained as well as phytochemical constituents present suggest that Ricinus communis seeds could be a good source of protein for humans consumption and livestock feeding, oil for industrial uses and medicine for treating various ailments. Keywords Castor Bean Seeds, Proximate, Phytochemicals, Ricin Detoxification 1. Introduction The general use of plants in medicines, foods, cosmetics, oxygen production, aesthetics, timber, etc cannot be overemphasized. Traditional medicine which involves the use of plant materials in treating various ailments has proven to be highly efficacious if the appropriate dose is administered. Besides, some plants are eaten as foods either fresh or processed and at the same time, serve as medicine. Ricinus communis suggests being one of such plants. Ricinus communis is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, classified under Euphorbiaceae. It is commonly called Castor plant, Castor oil plant and Castor bean plant. It is called Wonderboom or Wonder tree in South Africa, Eranda plant in India and Palma Christi in Jordan. In Nigeria, various tribes call it different names such as Ogilisi in Igbo, Laraa in Yoruba and Zurman in Hausa. Castor bean is native to the Ethiopian region of tropical Africa and has become naturalized in tropical and temperate regions throughout the world Akande et al., [1]. It grows best in full sun and can reach heights of up to 40 feet. In colder climates where temperatures drop below freezing point, castor bean functions like an annual plant and only reaches heights of 15 feet. Leaves are simple and alternate and can grow very large from inches wide. The leaves are green to reddish and are lopsidedly peltate, with the petiole attaching to the interior of the blade above the center point. Each leaf has 5 11 major veins radiating outward into narrow lobes with jagged margins. The plant consists of several branches, each

97 Akinyemi O. et al.: Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria terminated by a spike.

The Castor oil makes up 35% to 55% of the weight of the seeds and the oil contains 85% to 95% ricinoleic acid [2]-[3]-[4].

The leaves of Ricinus communis have been reported to contain flavonoids, rutin, quercetin and polyphenols and are being used along with turmeric paste to treat inflammation manifestations in North

The cake or de-oiled residue contains 48% crude protein and the whole seed containing 2.9 3.28 kcal/kg [11]-[12]-[1]. Every part of castor bean is proven to be useful.

used as soup condiment. Local seasoning produced from castor bean (Ogilisi) can be used singly to cook special variety of soups or combined with bouillons.

In fact, most homes in this part of Nigeria prefer Ogilisi processed from castor bean seed to synthetic food seasonings such as Maggi, Knorr, Royco, Doyin, Jumbo, Suppy etc because of its suspected

2 97 Akinyemi O. et al.: Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria terminated by a spike. The mature spike is cm long and each bears capsules [2]-[3]. A capsule contains three or four seeds each, which at maturity, splits to release the seeds. The Castor oil makes up 35% to 55% of the weight of the seeds and the oil contains 85% to 95% ricinoleic acid [2]-[3]-[4]. The oil extracted from castor bean seed has been used in medicines, cosmetics, biodiesel, plastics and lubricant production Salihu et al., [5]. The leaves of Ricinus communis have been reported to contain flavonoids, rutin, quercetin and polyphenols and are being used along with turmeric paste to treat inflammation manifestations in North India [6]-[7]-[8]. The roots have also been reported to possess antiinflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-diabetic properties [9][10]. The cake or de-oiled residue contains 48% crude protein and the whole seed containing kcal/kg [11]-[12]-[1]. Every part of castor bean is proven to be useful. In Eastern Nigeria, the leaves and stems are used as raw materials for the production of local soap (black soap popularly called Ncha-ude in Igbo) while the processed seeds locally called Ogilisi is used as soup condiment. Local seasoning produced from castor bean (Ogilisi) can be used singly to cook special variety of soups or combined with bouillons. For instance, it is commonly used to cook bitter leaf and egusi soup among the Igbos. In fact, most homes in this part of Nigeria prefer Ogilisi processed from castor bean seed to synthetic food seasonings such as Maggi, Knorr, Royco, Doyin, Jumbo, Suppy etc because of its suspected nutritional and medicinal values. In spite of the wide applications or uses of castor bean plant, it has however been reported in some literatures as a poisonous and non-edible oilseed plant. According to Akande et al., [1]. the leaves, seeds and stems contain glycoprotein ricin which is poisonous to humans and animals. Castor bean with its wide uses has over the years been limited and underutilized by man due to its ricin component. Hence, the present study sheds light on the local processing method that detoxifies glycoprotein ricin contained in castor bean seed as well as its nutritional and phytochemical compositions. Plate 2. Castor Bean Seed. 2. Materials and Methods Castor bean seeds were collected from Ibadan, South West Nigeria and identified at Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria Local Method of Processing Castor Bean Seed (Ogilisi) Castor bean seeds were harvested from castor plant and air sun-dried for 7days. The outer coating of the seeds referred to as husks were removed manually and the residue wet pulp were collected and put into a pot and boiled at 100 0C for 1 hour. The oil contained in the pulp that settled on top of the mixture was decanted and the boiled pulp allowed cooling at room temperature. Boiled pulp was wrapped in leaves of Thaumatococcus danielli for 4 days to allow fermentation to take place and thereafter, the pulp was blended with mortar and wrapped in the same leaves (Thaumatococcus danielli) for another 2 days for further fermentation to take place. The leaves were removed at the appearance of black spot on the blended pulp indicating its readiness for use as soup condiment. During this process, ricinoleic acid is detoxified making it non poisonous and edible Proximate Analysis Proximate composition of castor bean seeds was carried out according to the procedure of AOAC [13]. The crude protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method as described by AOAC [13]. Crude protein content was estimated at 6.25 multiple of the nitrogen value. Crude fiber determination was carried out using the trichloroacetic acid (TCA) method. Carbohydrate was calculated by difference while ash and crude fat contents were determined according to AOAC [13] Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses Plate 1. Processed Castor Bean (Ogilisi) used as food condiment (seasoning) in Eastern Nigeria. The de-husked seeds (wet pulp) were soaked in deionized water for 1 hour and thereafter, the aqueous extract is used for phytochemical screening.

3 American Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research 2016; 3(5): Phytochemical Screening (Qualitative Analysis) Phytochemical screening to test for the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, reducing sugars, phlobatannins, anthraquinones, glycosides, tannins and hydroxymethyl anthraquinone in the pulps of castor bean seeds were carried out in extracts using the standard procedures as described by Sofowora [14], Trease and Evans [15], Harbone [16] Quantitative Analysis Alkaloid determination by Harbone [16]: Five grams of the sample was weighed into a 250 ml beaker and 200 ml of 10% acetic acid in ethanol was added and covered and allowed to stand for 4 hours. This was filtered and the extract was concentrated on a water bath to one-quarter of the original volume. Concentrated ammonium hydroxide was added drop wise to the extract until the precipitation was complete. The whole solution was allowed to settle and the precipitate was collected and washed with diluted ammonium hydroxide and then filtered. The residue alkaloid was dried and weighed. Saponin Determination using Spectrophotometric Method by Brunner [17]: One gram of finely ground sample was weighed into a 250ml beaker and 100ml of isobutyl alcohol was added. The mixture was shaken on a shaker for 5 hours to ensure uniform mixing. Thereafter the mixture was filtered through a Whatman No1 filter paper into a 100 ml beaker and 20 ml of 40% saturated solution of magnesium carbonate was added. The mixture obtained with saturated MgCO 3 was again filtered through a Whatman No1 filter paper to obtain a clear colourless solution. 1ml of the colourless solution was pipetted into 50ml volumetric flask and 2ml of 5% FeCL 3 solution was added and made up to mark with distilled water. It was allowed to stand for 30 min for red colour to develop ppm standard Saponin solutions were prepared from saponin stock solution. The standard solutions were treated similarly with 2ml of 5% FeCL 3 solution as done for 1ml sample above. The absorbance of the sample as well as standard saponin solutions were read after colour development in a Jenway V6300 Spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 380nm. of 380nm. % Saponin = 2.6. Phenol Determination by Spectrophotometric Method x 10,000 The fat free sample was boiled with 50 ml of ether for the extraction of the phenolic component for 15 min. 5 ml of the extract was pipetted into a 50 ml flask, then 10 ml of distilled water was added. 2 ml of ammonium hydroxide solution and 5 ml of concentrated amyl alcohol were also added. The samples were made up to mark and left to react for 30 min for colour development. This was measured at 505 nm. 3. Results and Discussion 3.1. Results The proximate analysis revealed percentages of various nutrients in the seed of Ricinus communis. The trend followed this order; % crude fat was greater than % crude protein followed by % crude fibre, % moisture and % ash respectively (Table 1). The contents of moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and total carbohydrate were 6.397, 26.64, 59.43, 12.72, and 4.360% respectively. The phytochemical screening showed presence of Alkaloids (+++), Cardiac Glycosides (++), Saponins (+++), Tannins (+), Flavonoids (+), Phenol (++), Phobatannin (+) and Anthraquinone (+). The quantitative analysis revealed varying concentrations of alkaloids ( cmol/kg), cardiac glycosides ( cmol/kg), saponins ( cmol/kg), flavonoids ( cmol/kg) and phenol ( cmol/kg). Other constituents investigated in castor bean seed such as steroids, terpene, cardenolides and chalcones were completely absent (Table 2). Table 1. Results of Proximate Analysis of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, Nigeria. S/N Proximate (Nutrients) Value 1 % Moisture Content % Crude Protein % Crude Fat % Crude Fibre % Ash CHO Table 2. Results of Qualitative and Quantitative (cmol/kg) Analyses of Ricinus communis in Ibadan. S/N Chemical constituents Sample extract(qualitative) Quantities (cmol/kg) 1. Alkaloids Cardiac Glycosides Saponins Tannins Flavonoids Phenol Phobatannin Anthraquinone Steroids Terpene Cardenolides Chalcones - - Legend + Present in trace amount ++ Present in moderate amount +++ Present in appreciable amount --- Absent

99 Akinyemi O. et al.: Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria lower high blood cholesterol level.

4 99 Akinyemi O. et al.: Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria lower high blood cholesterol level. Low level crude fibre is considered appropriate [22], because high level can cause intestinal irritation, lower digestibility and decreased nutrient usage [23]. The moisture (6.397%) and ash (3.177%) obtained were low. Moisture content is among the most vital factors considered in food processing, preservation and storage [24]. The low percentage of moisture obtained indicates that castor bean seeds have low shelf-life, implying that its long storage could lead to spoilage due to susceptibility to microbial attack [22]. Figure 1. A Graph Showing Various Nutrients and their values in Ricinus communis. Figure 2. A Graph Showing Selected Phytochemicals with Degree of Presence and their Quantities in Ricinus communis Proximate Composition The crude protein (26.64%) obtained in this study indicates that castor bean seed is a good source of protein. Proteins are major source of energy. It contains essential amino acids responsible for growth and repair of worn-out tissues in humans. Although castor bean seed has been reported in literatures as toxic because of the ricin it contains [3]-[1], the local method of processing it for use as food seasoning detoxifies the ricin and makes it a preferred choice among varieties of food seasonings especially in Eastern Nigeria. The percentage crude protein obtained in the present study is slightly higher than (22.11%) reported by Akande et al., [1]. This difference may be due to calibration standards and procedures during analysis. Bouba et al., [18] found the same observation in a similar study and attributed it to difference in standard used for the analysis. The percentage crude fat (59.43%) obtained was higher than other nutrients investigated and according to Ayoola et al., [19], high fat content in any seed makes it a good source of nutrient that has the potential to improve the energy density of man and animals. Fats aid transport of fat-soluble vitamins insulates and protects internal tissues and contributes to important cell processes [20]-[21]. Crude fibre recorded in the present study (12.72%) indicates the level of non-digestible carbohydrate and lignin in castor bean seed. Fibre is characterized by low or no nutritional value however, its effect on digestive system may help to fight diabetes and 3.3. Phytochemical Analysis The degree of presence of Alkaloids and saponins recorded in this study was high. Alkaloids are nitrogenous organic molecule that has a pharmacological effect on humans and animals. Although castor bean seed is locally processed and used as food seasoning among Igbos in Eastern Nigeria, the high degree of presence of alkaloids (+++) and saponins (+++) in castor bean seed suggests that it can be used as medicine. Saponins are group of chemicals with detergentlike properties that plants produce to help resist microbial pathogens. Alkaloids and saponins prevent excessive intestinal absorption of cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension [25]. Saponins had the highest quantity ( cmol/kg) among the constituents investigated. Saponins have antitumor and antimutagenic activities and can lower the risk of human cancers, by preventing cancer cells from growing [26]. Aqueous solution containing saponins froth greatly which may be the reason they are used as detergents [27]. The high presence and quantity of saponins in castor bean seed recorded in the present research justified the use of the plant as a raw material in local soap (Ncha-Ude) making in Eastern Nigeria. Phenol had a quantity of ( cmol/kg) and (++) degree of presence in castor bean seed studied. Polyphenol is a natural chemical in plants and plants with high polyphenol content have been said to be antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that have the ability to delay or inhibit the oxidation of lipids and other molecules by inhibiting the initiation of oxidizing chain reactions [28]. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols is mainly due to their redox properties, which can play an important role in adsorbing and neutralizing free radicals, quenching oxygen, or decomposing perioxides [28]. According to Slattery et al., [29], intakes of phenols, vitamin C and carotenoid-rich food or vegetables is associated with decreased incidence of some cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Flavonoids act as antioxidant by removing the highly unstable molecules called free radicals which damage the body cells [30]-[31]. The degree of presence (+) and quantity ( cmol/kg) of flavonoid obtained in this study were low. Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic compounds with known properties including free radical scavenging, inhibition of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes and antiinflammatory action [32]. Flavonoids have been reported as

5 American Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research 2016; 3(5): having antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimutagenic and anti-viral actions [27]. Glycosides are important in medicine because of their action on the heart referred to as cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides recorded in this study showed degree of presence of (++) and a quantity of cmol/kg. Preparations containing glycosides are used for the treatment of certain skin cancers [33]. 4. Summary and Conclusion The proximate analysis of seeds of Ricinus communis revealed percentages of various nutrients. The nutrients obtained were in this order; crude fat (59.43%) > crude protein (26.64%) > crude fibre (12.72%) > moisture (6.397%) > total carbohydrate (4.360) > ash (3.177%). The phytochemical screening showed presence of Alkaloids (+++), Cardiac Glycosides (++), Saponins (+++), Tannins (+), Flavonoids (+), Phenol (++), Phobatannin (+) and Anthraquinone (+). The quantitative analysis revealed varying concentrations of alkaloids ( cmol/kg), cardiac glycosides ( cmol/kg), saponins ( cmol/kg), flavonoids ( cmol/kg) and phenol ( cmol/kg). Other constituents investigated in castor bean seed such as steroids, terpene, cardenolides and chalcones were completely absent. This paper has revealed that ricin contained in castor bean seeds could be detoxified locally thus making it edible. The proximate and phytochemical compositions of Ricinus communis suggest that the seeds can be a good source of protein for humans and livestock, oil for industrial uses and medicine for treating various ailments. However, further studies are recommended on the processed seeds of Ricinus communis. References [1] Akande, T. O., Odunsi, A. A., Olabode, O. S. and Ojediran, T. K. (2012). Physical and natural characterisation of raw and processed Castor (Ricinus communis) seeds in Nigeria. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 8(1): [2] Oplinger, E. S., Oelke, E. A., Kaminski, A. R., Combs, S. M., Doll, J. D. and Schuler, R. T. (1990). Castor Beans: Alternative Field Crops Manuel, Wisconsin and Minnesota Universities, USA. Pp 181. [3] Sani, U. M. and Sule, M. I. (2007). Anti-fertility activity of methanol extracts of three different seed varieties of Ricinus communis Linn. Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 6(2): [4] Bafor, M., Smith, M., Jonsson, L., Stobart, K., and Stymnes, S. (1991). Ricinoleic acid biosynthesis and triacylglycerol assembly in microbial preparations from developing Castor Bean (Ricinus comunis) endosperm. Journal of Biochemistry. 280: [5] Salihu, B. Z., Gana, A. K. and Apuyor, B. O. (2012). Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis): Batony, Ecology and uses. International Journal of Science and Research [6] Kirtikar, K. K. and Basu, B. D. (2000). India Medicinal Plants. Second Edition. Allahabad: Oriental Enterprise. Pp [7] Singh, P. P. Chauhan, S. M. S. (2009). 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6 101 Akinyemi O. et al.: Proximate and Phytochemical Compositions of Ricinus communis in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria [24] Onwuka, G. I. (2005). Food Analysis and Instrumentation: Theory and Practice. Naphthalic Prints, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Pp [25] Akinpelu, D. A. and Onakoya, T. M. (2006). Antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants used in folklore remedies in South-Western Nigeria. Journal of Biotechnology. 5: [26] Roa, R. R., Babu, R. M. and Rao, M. R. V. (1995). Saponins as anti-carcinogens. Journal of Nutrition. 125: [27] Iyebor, E. W. (2006). Chemical composition of Bryophyllum pinnatum. Unpublished B. Sc thesis. Department of Biotechnology, University of Calabar, Calabar. [28] Damintoti, K., Mamoudou, H. D., Jacques, S. and Alfred, S. T. (2005). Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of polyphenols from ethnomedicinal plants of Burkina Faso. African Journal Biotechnology. 4(8): [29] Slattery, M. L., Benson, J., Ma, K., Curtin, K. N., Schaeffer, D., and Potter, J. D. (2000). Carotenoids and Colon cancer. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 71: [30] Krishnaiah, D., Devi, T., Bomo, A. and Sarbatty, R. (2009). Studies on phytochemical constituents of six Malaysian medicinal plants. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 3(2): [31] Staut, D. (2007). Studies of New View on Biology of Flavonoids. Oregun State University, USA. Pp 121. [32] Frankel, E. (1995). Nutritional benefits of flavonoids. International Conference on Food Factors: Chemistry and Cancer Prevention. Hamamatsu, Japan. 2 6.

Phytochemical Investigation of Methanolic Extract of Icacina trichantha Tuber

ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 3 Number 5 (2014) pp. 907-911 http://www.ijcmas.com Original Research Article Phytochemical Investigation of Methanolic Extract of Icacina trichantha Tuber M.H.Shagal*, H.Mukhtar,