African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6863

Full Length Research Paper

Chemical constituents of chichá (Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naud.) seeds

Rodrigo Martins Fraguas
  • Rodrigo Martins Fraguas
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Rodrigo Martins Fraguas
  • Rodrigo Martins Fraguas
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Rafaella Araujo Zambaldi Lima
  • Rafaella Araujo Zambaldi Lima
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Denise Alvarenga Rocha
  • Denise Alvarenga Rocha
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Estela de Resende Queiroz
  • Estela de Resende Queiroz
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Mariana Aparecida Braga
  • Mariana Aparecida Braga
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Pedro Henrique Souza Cesar
  • Pedro Henrique Souza Cesar
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Angelita Duarte Correa
  • Angelita Duarte Correa
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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Celeste Maria Patto de Abreu
  • Celeste Maria Patto de Abreu
  • Chemistry Department, Biochemistry Laboratory, Federal University of Lavras ? UFLA, P. O. Box 3037, Zip Code 37200.000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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  •  Received: 13 October 2014
  •  Accepted: 21 February 2015
  •  Published: 26 February 2015

Abstract

The proximate and mineral composition of chichá seeds was evaluated, as well as protein digestibility, bioactive compounds (phenols and flavonoids) and profiles of organic and fatty acids, in order to provide information to support the dietary use of this seed, adding value to the fruit and contributing to the preservation of the Brazilian Cerrado. Chichá (Sterculia striata St. Hil. et Naud.) fruits were collected in the city of Jataí, in the southern Goiás state. The seeds were lyophilized, ground and packed in hermetically sealed vials at -18°C. Composition analyses found high contents (g 100 g-1 dry matter [DM]) of proteins (22.34), lipids (23.91), dietary fiber (26.29), and the minerals (mg 100 g-1 DM) potassium (1,165.78), phosphorus (701.44), and magnesium (277.32). The in vitro protein digestibility was 65.67%. Oleic acid (35.17%), palmitic acid (27.13%) and linoleic acid (16.50%) were the major fatty acids; citric acid was the major organic acid. It is concluded that chichá seeds are a source of many nutrients, which supports their inclusion in the formulation of a healthy diet.

 

Key words: Chichá, proximate composition, minerals, bioactive compounds, citric acid, fatty acid.