Abstract
This study evaluated the phytochemical properties and keeping quality (shelf-life)
of Brachystegia eurycoma (achi) and Mucuna flagellipes (ukpo). The samples were
grown in Nigeria and bought as sold in Nsukka local market in Enugu State,
Nigeria. The seeds were processed, milled into fine flours and stored in cellophane
bags to avoid contamination. Qualitative analysis was used for analyzing the
phytochemicals, while determination of shelf-life was after one month of storage
based on physical changes, determination of percentage Total Dissolved Solute
(%TDS), viscosity, spectophotometer and microbial growth on these flours.
Processed B. eurycoma and M. flagellipes flours contained many phytochemical
properties at varying levels: (alkaloids + & ++; tannins +++ & - ; glycosides + & +
respectively). The result also revealed that the flours of B. eurycoma and M.
flagellipes could be stored on the counter for an average of thirty nine days. After
which, were changes in their absorbance levels, %TDS, viscosity and microbial
growth. The study would be useful to food sellers and consumers of these
products.