Nutritional characterization of an underutilized legume Entada rheedii Spreng. seeds and validation of its folklore uses

Abstract

Entada rheedii seeds are a rich source of protein (23.99% ± 0.07), starch (42.04% ± 0.05) and potassium (1670.15 ppm ± 116.732). HPTLC–UV analysis (seeds) reveals galactose in considerable amount, that is, 2.60% ± 0.008. Additionally, the species is low in fat and anti-nutrient metabolites like tannin. Interestingly, the proximates in Entada seeds was found comparable with the commonly consumed legumes like cowpea, green gram, and so on. The species exhibits promising anti-radical, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activity. Data advocates the folklore use of E. rheedii seeds and can be a promising alternative source of dietary nutrition, fortified with medicinal value. Standardization and validation of scientific knowledge will bring such underutilized, low-cost legumes into daily dietary intake and are a promising source for Protein-Energy-Malnutrition.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Proximate analysis
• antioxidant activity
• anti-diabetic activity
• galactose

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Director CSIR-NBRI for providing facilities and inspiration all through the work (CSIR-NBRI_MS/2021/12/10). The authors are also thankful to the Forest Department, Kerala for providing access to collect the plant sample.

Disclosure statement

Authors do not have any conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.