Determination of Proximate Composition, Phytochemical Contents, Amino Acid Profile, and Functional Characteristics of Landolphia togolana Root Bark as a Potential Functional Food

Abstract

Abstract Overtime, consumers have become more concerned with eating a nutritious diet in order to improve their well-being. In this regard, plant bioactive chemicals with functional activity might play a crucial role in preventing acute and chronic health diseases in addition to their usual nutritional functions. As a result, researchers, health experts, and regulatory agencies are seeking known and yet to be identified plants for potential use as functional foods. Therefore, this study evaluated the nutritional composition of Landolphia togolana. L. togolona root procured from a commercial farm was extracted using methanolic extraction and subjected to laboratory analyses to check for its proximate composition, phytochemical screening, mineral composition, amino acid profiling, and functional characteristics. Results showed that L. togolona is a good source of carbohydrate (40.03). The highest and lowest minerals were iron (36.3 mg/100g) and calcium (0.86 mg/100g) respectively, and the higher contents of thiamine (39.28 µg/100g) and α-tocopherol (52.98 µg/100g). Secondary plant metabolites found were flavonoids (392.49 mg QE/g), steroids (126.00 g/100 mL), triterpenes (95.68 g/mL), alkaloids (0.41 g/100mL), saponins (0.821 g/100 mL), tannins (148.8 mgTA/g), and glycosides (0.04 g/100mL). Amino acid profiling revealed significant levels of essential amino acids such as glutamine (7.8 mg/100g), histidine (3.90 mg/100g), and proline (3.60 mg/100g). Further results showed a high swelling index (SI = 2.21) and water absorption capacity (WAC = 3.10). Analysis of color indicated values for L* a* b*. L. togolana is a rich source of phytochemicals, vitamins, and amino acids and could be well integrated in local diets. Keywords: Functional food, Landolphia togolana, Phytochemical, Proximate, Thickeners