Scientific publications
2005Journal articleEnglishOpen access
Nutritive value of some Cucurbitaceae oilseeds from different regions in Cameroon (opens in a new tab)
Authors
University of Yaoundé I
Other authors
MB Achu
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Scientific publications
MB Achu
Clergé Tchiégang
Martin Fotso
FM Tchouanguep
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
The nutritive value of five species of Cucurbitaceae (egusi) seeds from different bio-climatic regions in Cameroon was studied. These seeds are Cucumeropsis mannii, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Lagenaria siceraria and Cucumis sativus. The results show that the nutritional value of these seeds does not depend on the climatic region but on the species. Their moisture, crude fibre and ash levels are similar to those of soybean, peanuts, sesame and sunflower seeds, but their carbohydrate levels are lower. The Cucurbitaceae seeds and their defatted cakes are rich in proteins (28 to 40.49 and 61 to 73.59% respectively). They also contain high lipid levels similar to those of the other oilseeds. These seeds can thus be considered as sources of proteins and oils.