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International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture

ISSN Online: 2578-3475 ISSN Print: 2578-3467 CODEN: IJFSJ3
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ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2025.09.006

Cyanogenic Potential, Macronutrient Composition, and Free Sugar Content of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Tuberous Roots Grown at the Oyo Agricultural Site, Republic of Congo

Célestine Kiminou Ngounga1,2,*, Bertin Mikolo2, Bob Wilfrid Loumouamou1,2, Marie Geneviève Maloumbi3, Jean Mathurin Nzikou2

1Multidisciplinary Food and Nutrition Research Team: Regional Center of Excellence in Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Science and Technology, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, B.P. 69, Congo.

2Process Engineering Laboratory, UNESCO-ENSP Chair, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, B.P. 69, Congo.

3Molecular and Sensory Food Engineering Laboratory, National Polytechnic School (ENSP), Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, B.P. 69, Congo.

*Corresponding author: Célestine Kiminou Ngounga

Published: October 20,2025

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a key food crop in sub-Saharan Africa. Its tuberous roots represent a major energy source, but their consumption may be limited by the presence of cyanogenic compounds, as well as by significant nutritional variability. This study evaluated the cyanogenic potential, macronutrient composition (protein, lipids, water, dry matter, ash), and total free sugar content of 25 cassava cultivars harvested from four locations in the Oyo agricultural site (Republic of Congo). Results revealed significant variability between cultivars and locations: HCN contents ranged from 12.7 to 114.6 mg/kg, protein from 0.7 to 2.8%, lipids from 0.2 to 0.9%, ash from 0.8 to 2.7%, and free sugars from 0.4 to 10.1%. Some cultivars, such as Mouambalé and Opoupou, have good nutritional potential and low cyanogenic content, while others, such as Nzete ya Mbongo and Tokou, are highly cyanogenic. These results provide useful infor-mation to guide varietal selection, agri-food development, and the prevention of health risks associated with cassava consumption.

Keywords

Cassava; Cyanogenic compounds; Macronutrients; Free sugars; Food safety

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How to cite this paper

Cyanogenic Potential, Macronutrient Composition, and Free Sugar Content of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Tuberous Roots Grown at the Oyo Agricultural Site, Republic of Congo

How to cite this paper: Célestine Kiminou Ngounga, Bertin Mikolo, Bob Wilfrid Loumouamou, Marie Geneviève Maloumbi, Jean Mathurin Nzikou. (2025) Cyanogenic Potential, Macronutrient Composition, and Free Sugar Content of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Tuberous Roots Grown at the Oyo Agricultural Site, Republic of Congo. International Journal of Food Science and Agriculture9(3), 191-198.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijfsa.2025.09.006