eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2016-05-03 7 1 53 56 8855 article A.U. Onochie 1 C.A. Orjiakor 1 J.C. Ifemeje 1 Department of Biochemistry, Anambra State Univesity, ULI (Nigeria). African breadfruit (Treculia africana), popularly called Ukwa by the Igbos is a wild tropical evergreen tree. African breadfruit is highly regarded as a very nutritive food, hence the essential amino acids were determined using thin layer chromatographic technique. The following essential amino acids: cysteine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine and histidine were quantified using total and relative pixel mobility. Results show that cysteine concentration was the highest in Ukwa and the least was histidine. The findings indicate that Ukwa contains several essential amino acids. Thus, its consumption could support growth and maintain health. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol7no1/levels-of-free-essential-amino-acids-in-african-breadfruit-treculia-africana/ Essential amino acids; African breadfruit; Treculia africana