Proximate content and elemental evaluations of Allium cepa linn

This study is aimed at determining the proximate content, concentration of some micro and macro elements of Allium cepa Linn (Onions) with the view of updating its usage in orthodox and herbal medicine by man in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma. The essential oil composition is very complex, highly volatile and evaporates easily. Because it forms from a mixture of hundred different substances among which two are very important, Allyl disulphide and Thiosulphinate; this is responsible for onions typical odour. The sampled of Allium cepa Linn (Onions) was collected from Baga-doro, Kukawa L.G.A, Borno State, Nigeria. The proximate analysis was carried out using methods of Association of Analytical Chemist and the results showed that Allium cepa Linn has higher dry matter (96.10%), Nitrogen free extract (14.38%) and carbohydrate (93.02%) while, the crude fibre (9.50%) and moisture content (4.2%) are within the safe limit. The crude protein (2.48%) and fats (0.15%) are negligible and Ash value (0.5%) is below the standard range of 1.5 – 2.5%. The levels of nine (9) elements (Ca, K, Cu, Cr, Mn, Cd, Fe, Ni and Pb) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The results revealed higher concentration of iron in Allium cepa Linn except for cadmium concentration which are lest of the elements understudy only the lead was not detected in the samples by the methodology employed for the analysis. The elemental content obtained shows that these Allium cepa Linn could serve as a good dietary source for essential micronutrient because these levels are within the safety baseline content for human consumption, based on World Health Organization acceptable limits.