Investigation into the toxic constituents of the dry fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera

Abstract

The dry fruit of Tetrapleura tetraptera, which is used traditionally as a spice in flavouring pepper soups in Southern Nigeria, was assayed for toxic constituents in the fruit shell, fruit pulp and seed. Toxic constituents found included hydrogen cyanide, phytates, oxalates, tannins and saponins. The level of these toxicants in T. tetraptera compared with other sources as components in human diets and their potential effects are discussed.