DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajp.2026.v15i10.005

Pages: 249-258

The calyces of Bombax buonopozense and Bombax costatum are widely consumed in Côte d’Ivoire, yet their nutritional composition and phytochemical properties remain insufficiently characterized. This study compared their mineral composition, phytochemical profiles, and antioxidant activities to assess their potential for nutritional and industrial valorization. Dried and ground calyces were subjected to aqueous extraction. Mineral elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, primary and secondary metabolites were quantified using colorimetric methods, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Both species contained calcium and iron, with higher reported concentrations in B. buonopozense (2.7% calcium; 0.01181% iron) than in B. costatum (2.5% calcium; 0.01028% iron). Carbohydrates accounted for 80% and 79% of the respective samples. Total phenolic content was higher in B. buonopozense (325 mg/g dry matter) than in B. costatum (200 mg/g dry matter). However, substantial oxalate contents were also detected, reaching 198.5 and 154.82 mg/g dry matter, respectively. Both extracts exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity. These findings highlight differences in the nutritional and phytochemical profiles of the two species while emphasizing the need to evaluate antinutritional factors and processing methods before recommending their broader food applications.