Nutritive and Anti-nutritive composition of Wild grown Canavalia gladiata seeds

Abstract

The wild Canavalia gladiata seeds were widely distributed in Nupeland, North Central Nigeria. It was obtained and processed by decoating, sun drying and grinding into powder. Using petroleum ether (40-60^oC), the fats was extracted, the protein content, ash content, crude fibre, moisture, carbohydrate with respective values of 3.60±0.14, 11.1±0.83, 4.25±0.11, 3.39±0.27, 5.85±0.47 and 72.3±0.08 % as well as the mineral contents were determined using standard methods. The mineral composition determined from the C. gladiata seeds shows higher values of potassium, zinc, iron and calcium 25.15±0.03, 25.89±0.27, 18.3±0.14 and 17.25±0.49 mg/100 g respectively. This seed analyzed contains low yield of anti-nutritional contents which suggested that, it could be safe for human consumption since it fell below the lethal dose limit. The sample contains reasonable amount of essential and non-essential amino acids with yield varying between 48 and 52%. The presence of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in the C. gladiata was 96 and 4% respectively. The higher percentage of unsaturated fatty acid present makes this seed desirable for consumption by the person with heart diseases.  In addition, from the data obtained this oil becomes attractive options for commercial purposes since it is suitable for the manufacture of soaps, lubricating oil, candles as well as pharmaceutical industries.