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Assessment of Phytochemicals and Proximate Composition of Azolla Pinnata

Ayibaebi Happiness Ekaye, Prof. Reginald. Inodu Keremah, and Bestman Obomunu

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional composition of Azolla pinnata and some phytochemicals found in Azolla pinnata. The study was conducted at Niger Delta University, Faculty of Agriculture, Research and Teaching Farm, Fisheries Department wet laboratory, Azolla pinnata was harvested, washed and sun dried. The sun-dried samples were ground and used for proximate composition and phytochemicals analysis. Protein content ranged from 32.62- 32.84 % with a mean of 32.73±0.06, moisture ranged from 3.6-3.85% and had a mean value of 3.73±0.07 while the total ash content recorded 15.16-17.12% with a mean of 16.08±0.57. Saponin recorded 51.27-51.31mg/100g while phenol recorded 51.36-51.38mg/100g. Alkaloid recorded 17.07-17.12mg/100g. The proximate analysis signified that Azolla is a rich source of protein and phytochemical profile in terms of flavonoids, saponins, phenols. From this study, it is concluded that Azolla pinnata had high crude protein content and a good phytochemical profile making it a potential alternative ingredient in aquaculture.

References

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