Biochemical Composition, Functional Properties, and Antinutritional Profiles of Non-Conventional Legume Seeds from West Africa

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 5, No. 9, September 2014 | pp. 65–72

DOI: 10.46882/2014/IJC/000072

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Biochemical Composition, Functional Properties, and Antinutritional Profiles of Non-Conventional Legume Seeds from West Africa

Names of Authors: A. E. Ogunkoya¹, M. G. R. S. Dias²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
²Department of Food and Nutrition, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.

Abstract: Non-conventional underutilized legumes are promising nutritional resources for mitigating protein-energy malnutrition in developing countries, though their baseline chemical characteristics require detailed mapping. This research examines the proximate composition, mineral fingerprinting, and antinutritional profiles of three wild legume seeds (Mucuna pruriens, Sphenostylis stenocarpa, and Canavalia ensiformis) harvested in West Africa. Proximate analysis established high crude protein contents ranging from 26.4% to 32.5% on a dry weight basis, low fat contents (2.1% to 4.5%), and total carbohydrate profiles spanning 48.5% to 54.2%. Mineral profiling using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) revealed high concentrations of potassium (840 to 1120 mg/100g) and phosphorus, while toxic heavy metals like lead remained below hazardous legal thresholds. Quantified antinutritional matrices showed high initial levels of phytic acid (4.2 to 6.8 mg/g) and total oxalates (3.1 to 5.2 mg/g). Processing simulations proved that combined soaking and autoclaving treatments effectively reduced antinutrient levels by over 78% without significant loss of core structural proteins, establishing these seeds as safe, functional dietary additives.

Keywords: Underutilized legumes; Proximate composition; Mineral fingerprinting; Antinutrients; Food chemistry; Protein-energy malnutrition

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 10, 2014; Revised: March 18, 2014; Accepted: April 20, 2014; Published: September 09, 2014.

Citation: Ogunkoya, A. E., & Dias, M. G. R. S. (2014). Biochemical Composition, Functional Properties, and Antinutritional Profiles of Non-Conventional Legume Seeds from West Africa. International Journal of Chemistry, 5(9), 65–72.

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