Chemical composition and nutritional properties of Terminalia catappa L. oil and kernels from Benin

Abstract This work focuses on the physico-chemical characterization of kernels and oil of Terminalia catappa L. from Benin. The detailed physico-chemical properties are given including the nutritional composition and fatty acid profile, but also the phenolic content, phytochemical screening and antioxidant capacity which were determined for the first time. The kernel (100 g) contained 5.5 g of moisture, a high level of lipids (64.7–140.4 of Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)), proteins (36.0% RDI), sugars (6.0% RDI), and tannins (0.6%). The defatted kernels (100 g) contained high levels of manganese (184.8–236.1% RDI), magnesium (173.6–235.2% RDI), iron (89.7–201.9% RDI), zinc (87.9–120.9% RDI) and calcium (41.5% RDI), and contributed for 98.6% of RDI proteins. The kernel oil showed a high level of unsaturated fatty acids including oleic (27.1%) and linoleic acids (26.6%) and saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid (40.0%) as well as several phytosterols and triterpenes. These kernels and their unsaturated oil are of interesting nutritional value but could also be used as a biofuel or lubricant. The presence of phenolic and terpenic derivatives may also explain at least in part their use in traditional medicine.