ASSESSMENT OF MINERAL ELEMENTS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SUNFLOWER SEED'S (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS)

ABSTRACT Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) remains one of the most economically significant oilseed crops cultivated globally for its nutritional, industrial, and medicinal value. The seeds are widely utilized as a food ingredient, a source of vegetable oil, and a raw material for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations. Beyond their macronutrient richness, sunflower seeds contain essential minerals and bioactive phytochemicals that contribute substantially to human health. However, in many developing regions, scientific data regarding the mineral and phytochemical profile of sunflower seeds remain sparse, limiting a clear understanding of their nutritional potential. This study was therefore designed to assess both the mineral element composition and the phytochemical constituents of sunflower seeds, thereby estimating their nutritional value, possible medicinal relevance, and applicability in food and health-related industries. A comprehensive quantitative analysis of mineral composition was conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), focusing on six key mineral elements: Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), and Calcium (Ca). The results revealed that sunflower seeds contain significant levels of Zinc (661.94 mg/100 g) and Iron (325.78 mg/100 g), identifying them as exceptional dietary sources of essential trace minerals. Copper was present in moderate concentration (6.54 mg/100 g), while phosphorus was moderately represented (78.39 mg/100 g). The phytochemical analysis of sunflower seeds was equally revealing. Five major phytochemicals were quantitatively assessed: tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and total phenols. Saponins were found in exceptionally high concentration (968.33 mg/100 g), suggesting potential cholesterol-lowering, antimicrobial, and immune-modulating benefits. Tannins (83.83 mg/100 g) and alkaloids (44.33 mg/100 g) were moderately present, with potential implications for antioxidant defense and antimicrobial activity. The presence of total phenols (6.46 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (4.13 mg QE/g) indicates that sunflower seeds possess substantial antioxidant potential, contributing to the neutralization of free radicals and reduction of oxidative stress-linked conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration. The combined results from the mineral and phytochemical analyses offer compelling evidence of the nutritional and medicinal value of sunflower seeds.