Antioxidant Activity, Proximate Composition and Lipid Quality of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Seeds from North-Cameroon

The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity, proximate composition and lipid quality of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seeds. The seeds' oil was extracted and its quality and antioxidant activity were evaluated, alongside with the evaluation of the proximate composition of the seeds. The results obtained demonstrated that baobab seeds were a moderate antioxidant source and that its oil contained; 21.73 meq O2/kg of Peroxide value, 2.21 ppm of thiobarbuturic acid value, 53.35 g/100g of Iodine value, 5.80 % of Acid value and was white in colour. The proximate analysis showed that the seed contained 14.70 % Lipids, 67.3 % Carbohydrates, 12.34% Proteins, 0.96 % Fibers, and 4.70 % Ash. The major minerals elements present in baobab seeds included; Calcium 7.10 mg/100g, Potassium 1219 mg/100g, Phosphorus 68 mg/100g, Magnesium 167 mg/100g, Sodium 102 mg/100g, Zinc 34 mg/100g and Ion 689.01 mg/100g. These results suggest that baobab seeds could contribute partially to the overall daily intake of these minerals. Also, oil from baobab is saturated and it can be used in cooking since it is less prone to oxidation. Baobab seed been a good antioxidant suggest that it may provide protection against chronic diseases as cancers and cardiovascular diseases.