The underutilized Kenyan variety of Dolichos lablab bean seeds serves as a good source of nutrients. This study was undertaken for the first time to address the limited knowledge regarding the bioactive, biochemical, physicochemical, and functional properties of Dolichos lablab beans. Proximate analysis, mineral, total and free amino acid profiles, total protein, total dietary and profile of fiber, carotenoids and fat soluble vitamins, total phenolics, and total flavonoids were evaluated. The results clearly show that Dolichos lablab beans contain many health-promoting components, such as fiber, proteins, minerals, and numerous phytochemicals endowed with useful biological activities, that allow it to contribute in a relevant way to the daily intake of these nutrients.

The underutilized Kenyan variety of Dolichos lablab bean seeds serve as a good source of natural antioxidants, which can probably be effective in reducing the risk of occurrence of several diseases. This study was undertaken for the first time to address the limited knowledge regarding the antioxidant activities of lablab beans. Moreover, their DNA damage inhibitory activity, bovine serum albumin (BSA) damage inhibitory activity, and the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and porcine α-amylase were also investigated. The antioxidant capacity of Dolichos lablab bean seeds extracted with methanol, water or methanol/water combination was evaluated by the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, free radical-scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radical-scavenging assay, and 2,20-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Results reported in the present study indicate that water, methanol and water/methanol extracts of lablab bean flour exhibited good antioxidant activity by effectively scavenging various free radicals, such as DPPH, NO, and ABTS radicals. The extracts also exhibited protective effects against DNA and BSA damage and inhibitory effects on porcine α-amylase. Findings of this study suggest that extracts from the lablab bean flour would have potential application in food supplements, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

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