Nutritional profile of different plant tissues and fruits of Chamal palm (Dioon edule)

Abstract

Content of Fe and Mn in leaves and stems, and in seeds macronutrients were determined in Dion edule (chamal). Chamal is a palm belonging to cycads, used as an ornamental plant and seeds as a substitute for corn for human consumption in some indigenous communities in Huasteca Potosina called xi'oi. Concentration of Fe and Mn were evaluated in stems, leaves and seeds by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine micronutrients relationship in the whole plant and its translocation to seed. Sand moisture content, ash, protein, fat and carbohydrates, was determined only in seeds according to official proximal chemical analysis techniques for food. Concentrations of Fe and Mn were higher in leaves than in stem. Regarding macronutrient content in seeds was found D. edule they contain 14.67% moisture, 20.65% protein, 3.21% lipids and 60.69% carbohydrates. Results show that seeds nutrient content of D. edule is similar to dry-bean and greater than corn, which are a suitable source of Fe and Mn therefore constitute an alternative to prepare nutritious food source.