ABSTRACT

This research was conducted to determine some phytochemicals and functional properties of Almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf protein concentrates obtained from three locations in Edo State, Nigeria. Pawpaw leaves were obtained from the Osasogie, Egor L.G.A (location A), Ekosodin, Ovia North East L.G.A (location B) and Ramat park, Ikpoba-Okha L.G.A (location C), and they were processed into leaf protein concentrates and Bagasse in triplicates using heat coagulation method. The resultant Almond leaf protein concentrates (LPC) and Bagasse were analyzed for their proximate, mineral compositions and phytochemical. The physical properties of the LPC obtained from the three locations were similar, from being green and to being dark green and rough after being sundried.

The minerals calcium magnesium, phosphorus, iron and manganese were higher in the Almond LPC than in the bagasse, but the minerals sodium and magnesium were higher in the LPC than in the bagasse.

The results from the phytochemical analysis for Almond Leaf Protein Concentrate and Bagasse showed that Tannin, Alkaloid, Saponin, Phenol and Flavonoid were present in Almond LPC in all three locations. Saponin, was highest in location A, Alkaloid in location A, Phenol in location A in the LPC