Non-timber forest products are often disregarded in favor of primary crops in Burkina Faso, despite their nutritional
significance and contribution to food self-sufficiency. However, the lack of scientific information regarding the amino
acid content of Saba senegalensis pulp impedes its utilization in various foods production. Consequently, the primary
objective of this investigation was to assess the free amino acid profile of S. senegalensis pulp in the three distinct
climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Fruit samples were collected from these climatic regions, and the amino acid content
was analyzed using HPLC methods. The analysis of S. senegalensis pulp revealed the presence of essential amino acids in
mg/100 g, mainly isoleucine (300 ± 75–305 ± 15), leucine (370 ± 92.50–377 ± 95.50), lysine (200 ± 50–205 ± 70), methionine
(90 ± 22.50–104 ± 50), phenylalanine (140 ± 35–196 ± 15), threonine (230 ± 57.50–241 ± 27.50), valine (260 ± 65–285 ± 40),
and tryptophan (230 ± 57.50–237 ± 75.50), as well as non-essential amino acids. Statistical analysis indicated no significant
difference (p > 0,5) in the essential and non-essential amino acids across the climatic zones. According to the revised
model spectrum of ideal essential amino acids for humans by the WHO/FAO, the E/T values ranged from 43.12 to 43.40%,
and the E/NE values ranged from 75.83 to 76.68%. The BC/E values ranged from 50.69 to 51.09%, while the BC/A values
ranged from 1.24 to 1.37. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed specific variations in the amino acid composition
of the fruit pulp based on the climatic zones. This study demonstrates that S. senegalensis is a valuable source of amino
acids and can potentially enhance food security.

Forests products · Saba senegalensis · Amino acid profile · Climatic zones · Burkina Faso