Phytochemical screening and chemical study of <i>Persea americana</i> (avogado) seed

This work was executed to ascertain the phytochemical and mineral constituents of Persea americana (avogado) seed. Dry seeds of Persea americana were milled to size (25 μm) to obtain homogenous flours. Phytochemical contents and proximate compositions were evaluated by standard methods, while mineral elements (Na and K) were analysed by flame photometry, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn and Cu by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and the results obtained were copper (24.000mg/kg), manganese (5.000mg/kg), iron (165.000mg/kg),  phosphorus (1120.000mg/kg), potassium  (3205.000mg/kg), sodium (385.000mg/kg), calcium (34.000mg/kg), and magnesium (42.000mg/kg). Alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids were the phytochemicals in Persea americana seeds. The values for the proximate compositions of the products were protein (4.92+0.50%), carbohydrate (52.98+0.16%), fat (24.77+0.20%), crude fibre (1.83+0.17%) and ash (3.67+0.40%). This study revealed that Persea americana seed contains nutrients that have the benefits of ameliorating diseases and improving the overall well-being of human health.