Antimicrobial screening, functional groups and elemental analysis of Aframomum melegueta

The antimicrobial screening, functional groups and elemental analysis of Aframomum melegueta seeds were investigated using standard microbiological methods. The results revealed that the extracts of Aframomum melegueta had inhibitory effect against selected oral microorganisms such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus. The mineral contents were high with remarkable concentration of nitrogen (22.225 %), sodium (0.24 %), calcium (0.059 %), magnesium (1431.5 mg/kg), iron (40.99 mg/mg/kg). The mineral element contents were within WHO/FAO safe limit indicating favourable nutritional balance. The trace elements of the spice were investigated to establishing its nutritional uses. Thirty two compounds in Ethanol extract were identified to be bioactive by Gas chromatography – Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This analysis revealed the oil extracts isolated from A. Melegueta contain Eugenol, Caryophyllene, Octacosane, Butan-2-one,4-(3-hydroxy-2-methoxyphenyl). Comparing the nutrient and chemical constituents with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) values, the results reveal that the spices contain an appreciable amount of nutrients, minerals, trace elements and functional groups and low levels of toxicants.