Proximate Analysis and Estimation of Mineral Elements in Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. (Watermelon) Seeds Extract

Mineral and trace elements are chemical elements required by living organisms other than the elements present in the common organic molecules. Dietary fibre, trace and mineral elements are important for healthy functioning of the human body. This study was purposely undertaken to analyse the elemental and proximate content in the seeds of Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. (watermelon). The dried powdered seeds of watermelon were subjected in to various sample preparation stages for the proximate analysis such as fat, moisture, ash and fibre as well as the mineral elements such as calcium, iron and phosphorus from seeds sample, and sample ash was estimated using various biochemical and titration methods under standard laboratory protocols. From the results, the study showed that estimated mineral element values in the seeds of watermelon were found to contain appropriate amounts within the permissible limit which can provide the role of essential mineral elements in the physiology of human body.