PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SOURSOP FROM NSUKKA

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted on the proximate and quantitative analysis of soursop (Annona moricata) fruit. The ripe fruit was procured, sun-dried and grounded into powdery form before it was used for the analysis. The result shows that crude fiber is 6.3% crude protein, 2.8% ash 1.0% and crude fat 0.1%. the result of the qualitative phytochemical composition of the soursop pulp shows abundant presence of bioactive compounds such as tannin and flavonoid, relatively moderate presence of reducing sugar, terpenoid and glycoside while saponin, and alkaloid were present in minute amount. These bioactive compounds have been reported to be biologically significant because of their impact in several physiological activities in the body such as inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, detoxification and oxidative activities. The result justifies the nutritional and medicinal usefulness of soursop fruit.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of Content vi
Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Objectives of the Study 4
1.3 Statement of Problem 4
1.4 Significance of the Study 5

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW 6
2.1 Description of Soursop 6
2.2 Taxonomic Classification 8
2.3 Origin and Distribution 9
2.4 Required Climate for Growth 12
2.5 Pests and Diseases 14
2.6 Harvesting of Soursops 17
2.7 Uses of Soursop 18
2.8 Nutritional and Medicinal Values of Soursop 22

CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS AND METHODS 27
3.1 Materials 27
3.1.1 Reagents 27
3.1.2 Apparatus/Instrument 28
3.2 Sampling Methods 28
3.2.1 Sample Collection 28
3.2.2 Sampling Preparation 29
3.3 Procedure 29
3.3.1 Proximate Analysis of Soursop 29
3.3.2 Qualitative Phytochemical Determination 37

CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
4.1 Proximate Analysis of Soursop 42

CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 44
5.1 Discussion 44
5.2 Conclusion 46
5.3 Recommendations 46

References 47.