Nutritional composition, phytochemicals and microbiological quality of the legume, Mucuna pruriens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical compositions and microbiological quality of seeds of the legume Mucuna pruriens (MP) grown in northeastern Brazil. MP flour and extract were produced and evaluated for proximate, mineral, and phytochemical compositions, fatty acid profile, and microbiological quality. MP flour and seed extract showed 43.12 and 43.4% of protein, 7 and 7.6% lipid matter, 37.19 and 33.33% starch, and 5.64 and 2.36% fiber (p<0.05), respectively. Abundant minerals found were in both the extract as flour, such as potassium (635 and 679 mg/g), iron (79 and 158 mg/g), and phosphorus (83 and 93 mg/g). Flavonoids, steroids, and saponins were detected. The main fatty acids found were myristic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Microbiological evaluation did not indicate the presence of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms. MP produced in Northeastern Brazil is an alternative source of carbohydrate, fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, saponins and flavonoids, which may encourage its potential consumption and marketing.

Effects of Single and Double Treatment Methods on the Micronutrients in Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean) Seed Flour

“…The sodium, phosphorus, zinc and iron contents of the raw Mucuna pruriens seed (CON) were higher than the values reported by Kalidass and Mohan [23] for five accessions of Mucuna pruriens seed India. These variations in the mineral's composition of Mucuna pruriens seed in comparison with those from other regions/countries are influenced by differences in climate, composition of soil, temperature, volume of rainfall and surrounding vegetation [8,23,24]. Soaking caused significant decrease (p<0.05) in almost all the minerals except for phosphorus and zinc.…”

“…Potassium is vital in blood pressure regulation, calcium is needed for good bone mass and phosphorus is necessary for ATP synthesis [24]. Zinc and manganese are associated with antioxidation activities as well as strengthening of immune system [8].…”

Functional properties and chemical constituents of eight underutilized Ghanaian legumes

“…It is called the velvet bean in English. The plant grows pods about 12 cm long that contain about 7 seeds of varied colouration from beige to brown and black, and also striped ones (Tavares et al, 2015). In Ghana, the seeds are known as "Adua Apea."…”

Mucuna pruriens fiber: nutritional, functional and biological properties

“…This legume produces pods about 12 cm long that contain about 7 seeds of varied coloration from beige to brown and black, and even striped. Known variously as "velvet bean", "lion bean", "nescafe", and "cowage", among others, it originated in India, and is now cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, southeastern Asia, and the tropics of Central and South America (Leite et al, 2015). This legume is an important element in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is also a rich source of protein, peptides, and fiber.…”