Proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors of some underutilized grain legumes in south‐western Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose -African yam bean (Sphenotylis stenocarpa), bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and lima bean (Phaseolus luunatus) are some of the minor grain legumes found in Nigeria. Their utilization has been very limiting because little is known about their nutritive value. The proximate, minerals and antinutritional factors of two collections of African yam bean, lima beans and pigeon pea, and one collection of bambara groundnut seeds grown in south-western Nigeria were studied. Design/methodology/approach -Dry seeds of two collections of African yam bean, pigeon pea and lima beans, and a collection of bambara groundnut were collected from Oyo and Ondo States in south-western Nigeria. The legumes were sorted, milled and stored in polythene bags at 4˚C. Findings -The crude protein in the legumes was in the range of 22-37 per cent, crude fat 1.47-4.96 per cent, crude fibre 1.92-7.21 per cent and ash 3.33-5.61 per cent. K, Ca and P were in the range of 0.15-0.52 per cent. Iron content of the seeds was very low. The antinutrients, tannin, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitor were very high when compared to those of cowpea, groundnut and soybean. Originality/value -It therefore implies that consumption of these legumes will require processes that will reduce their antinutritional factors.

Status of Underutilised Crops in South Africa: Opportunities for Developing Research Capacity

“…Many of the known underutilised legumes (e.g., Mucuna spp., Canavalia spp., Sesbania spp.) have higher amounts of protein, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibre, and essential minerals and vitamins relative to other common legumes, along with the presence of beneficial bioactive compounds [72]. However, dark green leafy vegetables are known to contain oxalates, phytates and nitrates, and ANFs such as total free phenolics, tannins, L-DOPA, trypsin inhibitor activity and phytohaemaglutinating activity [73].…”

Processing and Utilization of Legumes in the Tropics

“…Common legumes grown in the tropics include cowpea, soybean, pigeon pea, African yambean, bambara groundnut, kidney bean, lima bean etc (7,14). Right from harvesting of the pods from the field, the seeds of these legumes pass through common post-harvest processes to obtain the dried seeds (9).…”

Physical, Proximate and Anti-nutritional Composition of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Seeds Varieties

“…AYB is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. However, constraints to its cultivation and utilisation include presence of high concentrations of anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitor, phytate, tannin, oxalate and alkaloids and long cooking time (Nwokolo, 1987;Ajibade, Balogun, Afolabi, Ajomale, & Fasoyiro, 2005;Fasoyiro, Ajibade, Omole, Adeniyan, & Farinde, 2006). Ndidi et al (2014) opined that processing reduced the level of anti-nutrients to their tolerable levels.…”