Phenolic and Anti-Nutrients Compositions of Selected Underutilized Seeds: African Oil Bean Seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla), Cashew Nut Seed (Anacardium occidentale), Cucumeropsis Seed (Cucurbita maxima), Groundnut Seed (Arachis hypogeal) and Soya Bean Seed (Glycine max)

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the levels of anti- nutrients and phenolic compounds in under-utilized seeds such as African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla), cashew nut seed (Anacardium occidentale), cucumeropsis seed (Cucurbita maxima), groundnut seed (Arachis hypogeal), and soya bean seed (Glycine max). The goal was to understand the impact of these compounds on the nutritional value of the seeds and to identify potential preventive measures. Neglected and under-utilized crops are plant species that have historically been used for food, fiber, fodder, oil, or medicinal purposes but have diminished in importance over time due to specific supply and utilization constraints. These constraints may include poor shelf life, unrecognized nutritional value, low consumer awareness, and reputational issues (such as being considered famine food or "poor people’s food," often due to changes in agricultural practices). Anti- nutrients are substances commonly present in food that can be harmful to humans and can limit the availability of nutrients to the body. Sun-dried soya bean and groundnut seeds were ground, while African oil bean, cucumeropsis, and cashew nut seeds were mechanically dehulled and ground without heat. Oxalate and phytate levels were determined through titration, and carotenoid levels were determined spectrophotometrically. Various methods were used to determine the presence of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, cyanogenic glycosides, hemagglutinins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, steroids, and flavonoids. It was found that African oil bean seed had higher concentrations of the analyzed anti-nutrients and phenolic compounds compared to the other seeds studied.