Nutritional and chemical evaluation of raw seeds of the tribal pulse Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc

Abstract

The proximate composition, seed protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acids, minerals and anti-nutritional factors of Vigna trilobata were analysed. The crude protein content was 20.31%, crude fat 5.54%, crude fibre 8.81% and ash 2.71%. The seeds were found to be a rich source of minerals such as Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn compared to some of the most common Indian pulses. In the seed proteins the essential amino acids valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and lysine were somewhat higher, but threonine, isoleucine and the sulphur-containing amino acids lower than recommended in the WHO/FAO requirement pattern. The seed lipids contained a large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids. The total free phenols, tannins, L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) and haemagglutinating activity were also analysed or assayed.