Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate micronutrient and phytochemical compositions of jansa (Cussonia bateri) seed, an under-utilized spice in South Eastern Region of Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined mineral composition of the Cussonia bateri seed, vitamin contents of the Cussonia bateri seed, and phytochemical contents of Cussonia bateri seed. The seeds of Cussonia bateri were procured from Orie Ugba Market in Umuahia. The seeds were sorted, washed with water, oven dried using hot air oven at 55oC for 6 hours and milled into powder. The mineral, vitamin and phytochemical contents of the spice were determined using standard analytical methods. The data were analyzed and presented as means of triplicate analyses. Results showed that the spice contained appreciable amounts of calcium (37.34mg/100g), iron (1.13mg/100g), phosphorus (47.72mg/100g), potassium (69.67mg/100g) and some B group vitamins (2.69mg/100g thiamin, 0.90mg/100g riboflavin, 0.70mg/100g niacin and 0.64mg/100g pyridoxine). It also contained 3.07mg/100g flavonoids and 2.29mg/100g polyphenols. The micronutrient and phytochemical compositions of the spice were comparable to those of many other well-known indigenous spices, and incorporating this spice in dietscan contribute significantly to nutrients intakes of people in South-Eastern Nigeria and beyond. Again, the phytochemicals (flavonoids and polyphenols) contained in the spice are antioxidants that prevent degenerative diseases; hence, creation of awareness of benefits its consumption in diet through nutrition education is recommended.