E.N Dibie

The study evaluated selected nutritive and phytochemical indices of Triticum aestivum L. to provide baseline information that may aid nutritional assessment and quality improvement of wheat-based products.
Phytochemical screening, mineral composition, proximate analysis, and vitamin C determination were conducted using standard procedures, including colorimetric tests, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), the AOAC method, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry, respectively.

The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and reducing sugars, while tannins and steroids were absent. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties, highlighting wheat’s potential as a functional food. Mineral analysis showed sodium (70.0 mg/kg), magnesium (300.0 mg/kg), iron (30.0 mg/kg), and zinc (25.0 mg/kg) within normal ranges, but potassium (2500.0 mg/kg) and calcium (1.9 mg/kg) were below standard levels, possibly due to soil nutrient depletion or analytical variation.
Proximate composition revealed moisture (12.60%), ash (1.80%), crude fiber (2.50%), and carbohydrate (57.28%) within expected limits, indicating good storage stability. However, crude fat (21.74%) was higher and crude protein (6.59%) lower than standard ranges, suggesting methodological inconsistencies or genotypic differences. Vitamin C content (0.29 mg/100 g) was low but consistent with cereal values.

Overall, Triticum aestivum exhibited rich phytochemical diversity and acceptable nutritional quality, though certain nutrient variations emphasize the need for improved cultivation and analytical control. The findings provide valuable baseline data and confirm wheat’s significance not only as a staple food but also as a potential source of health-promoting bioactive compounds.

The experiment was carried out to produce ginger powder from fresh ginger rhizomes using sun drying technique. The fresh rhizomes were collected from Forestry market, Benin City, Edo State. The ginger was then examined for its proximate, phytochemical and mineral element composition. These tests were carried out on the ginger before and after processing. The phytochemicals examined were alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, tanins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, quinones and steroids. Specifically, the absence or presence of these phytochemicals were determined. The results from the mineral element test on the fresh ginger showed the following values in mg/L; Magnesium (0.75), Iron (1.0), Calcium (0.50), Zinc (0.80), Potassium (19.70) and Sodium (2.20). The processed ginger powder showed; Iron (1.60), Magnesium (1.08), Calcium (0.30), Zinc (1.20), Potassium (61.10) and Sodium (11.40). MBased on this study, the sun drying technique proved effective in reducing the moisture content of the ginger thereby improving its shelf-life, and its overall consumer desirability. The processed ginger powder is also a good source of the aforementioned minerals.

The study was concluded to produced fruit juice and its blend using some Nigeria selected fruits. The fruits were purchased in Edo Street, Ekosodin, Benin City. The fruit juices were produced and analyzed using standard method. From the analysis, it was observed that the pH ranges from 3.30 – 5.80 without pulp and 3.50 – 5.70 with pulp. A reversed case occurred on these samples for titratable acidity with a range of 0.030% - 0.88% without pulp and 0.32% - 1.82%. The pH and titratable falls within acceptable range