Nutritional Profile and Phytochemical Assessment of Senegalia macrostachya (Mimosasea) seed (“Ya’yan Gardaye” )

Abstract

The seeds of Senegalia macrostachya (commonly known as “Ya’yan Gardaye” in Hausa) are underutilized plant resources with significant nutritional and medicinal potential. S. macrostachya is a plant native to Senegal, southern Sudan, and sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates the nutritional composition and phytochemical profile of S. macrostachya seeds obtained from Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria. The seeds were processed into powder for subsequent analyses. Proximate assessment revealed a composition of 6.50±0.02% moisture, 6.00±0.01% ash, 6.00±0.02% lipid, 5.00±0.01% crude fiber, 3.36±0.01% nitrogen, 21.0±0.20% protein, and 55.50±0.30% carbohydrates. Mineral analysis indicated the presence of calcium (5.00±0.02 mg/g), magnesium (24.00±0.21 mg/g), sodium (70.00±0.32 mg/g), potassium (3000±0.01 mg/g), and phosphorus (0.70±0.00 mg/g). Sequential extraction using methanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate yielded 13.4%, 3.64%, and 2.0% respectively, with methanol producing the highest yield. Phytochemical screening of the extracts confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds, including steroids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, balsams, and volatile oils, which are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. These findings highlight S. macrostachya seeds as a promising source of nutrients to combat malnutrition and bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications. Further studies are recommended to explore the bioavailability, toxicological profile, and mechanisms of action of the identified compounds for broader utilization in food and pharmaceutical industries.