Chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng. (Fabaceae)

Seeds of Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng. (Fabaceae), used as food by Malayali tribals in the Kollihills of Salem District, Tamil Nadu in South India, were investigated for their nutritional value. These seeds were analyzed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, seed protein fractions, amino acid composition, fatty acid composition, minerals and antinutritional factors. Crude protein, crude fat, ash, and nitrogen free extracts constituted 22.86%, 6.10%, 4.62%, and, 58.15%, respectively, of the seed weight. The caloric value of 100 g dry matter of seed material was 378.94 kcal. The essential amino acids lysine, leucine + isoleucine, arginine, valine and histidine were present in relatively large quantities. The unsaturated fatty acids constituted more than 60% of the crude fat. Concentrations of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and, phosphorus were high. Antinutritional factors such as total free phenols, tannins, L-DOPA, hydrogen cyanide and phytic acid were present in minute quantities. These antinutritional factors are potentially eliminated using the conventional method of soaking the seeds in water, boiling with water and decanting prior to consumption.