ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL PROFILE OF VARIOUS SEED SPECIES GROWN IN THE LARKANA REGION, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In present work a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the chemical profile of ten varieties of seeds (Okra, brinjal, cucumber, Indian squash, bitter gourd, watermelon, melon, papaya, strawberry and sesame) grown in agriculturally significant area of Larkana division, Sindh. The main purpose was to investigate their proximate composition, metal content and bioactive compounds to evaluate their nutritional potential. Seed samples were collected from different locations through the region investigated using standard analytical methods. The results exposed noteworthy distinction in the nutritional composition among seed varieties. The highest average protein level of 14300 mg/100g was exhibited by sesame seed-1, whereas maximum carbohydrate contents of 0.368 mg/100g and 0.365 mg/100g declared in sesame seeds and cucumber seeds respectively. The highest concentration of 20.53 mg/100g of flavonoid and 246.22 mg/kg of were sodium was shown by okra seeds, while maximum concentration of 21.45 mg/100g) was found in strawberry seeds. Bitter gourd displayed the maximum concentration of Ca (628.03 mg/kg), Mg (340.37 mg/kg) and Zn (4.43 mg/kg). The highest level of 150.84 mg/kg of K was measured in papaya seeds, while melon seeds declared the maximum of 3.85 mg/kg of Fe level. The findings reveal that various seeds grown in the Larkana region are important reservoirs of essential nutrient and bioactive compounds. This data is crucial for nutritional planning, promoting local agricultural products, and informing farmers and policymakers about optimizing crop selection for enhanced dietary intake and economic opportunity.