Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic absorption spectroscopic evaluation of Raphanus sativus L. seeds grown in Pakistan

Raphanus sativus L. (Brassicacae) possesses numerous health benefits due to presence of a host of secondary metabolites in its various parts. The present study investigated the nutritive value of Raphanus sativus (RS) seeds and seed oil. Proximate and physico chemical analysis were carried out by official AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) and AOCS (American oil chemist society) methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) described the surface morphology along with atomic elemental composition of the sample. Mineral contents were evaluated by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Moisture content was 8.67 +/- 0.08% whereas protein, crude fiber, crude fat, carbohydrates, total ash values were reported as 20.13 +/- 0.15%, 7.86 +/- 0.15%, 32.27 +/- 0.25%, 27.32 +/- 0.85%, 3.75 +/- 0.02% respectively. EDS determined carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sulfur and potassium in seeds. All physico-chemical properties varied insignificantly for the two extraction methods, except for acid value and unsaponifiable matter, which were higher for Soxhlet's extracted oil than cold pressed oil. The mineral composition revealed potassium in the highest concentrations in seeds and seed oil i.e.1660.65 +/- 69.26 ppm and 47.80 +/- 7.02 ppm respectively. The study suggested that the seed and seed oil could be a potential source of naturally originated raw material for the nutritive and pharmaceutical aid.