Comparative Studies on Some Anti-Nutritional Factors in Seeds of Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Beans) and Sphenostylis Stenocarpa (African Yam Beans)

Abstract

The concentrations of some anti-nutritional factors present in seeds of Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans) and those of Sphenostylis stenocarpa (african yam beans) were determined.  The seeds of Mucuna pruriens were found to contain Saponin: 0.30mg/100g, Phytate: 8.33mg/100g, Oxalate: 28.79mg/100g, Cyanogenic glucoside: 9.80mg/100g, Tannin:0.26mg/100g while the seed of Sphenostylis stenocarpa were found to contain Saponin: 0.17mg/100g, Phytate: 6.63mg/100g, Oxalate: 16.33mg/100g, Cyanogenic glucoside: 17.80mg/100g and Tannin: 1.22mg/100g.  Consequently, Mucuna pruriens seeds have lower concentration of Cyanogenic glucoside (9.80mg/100g) than Sphenostylis stenocarpa (17.80mg/100g) and this may make the seeds of Mucuna pruriens (velvet beans) more fit for consumption because cyanogenic glucoside appears to be the most toxic of all the anti-nutrients studied.

Keywords: Sphenostylis stenocarpa, Mucuna pruriens, Saponin, Oxalate, Phytate, Cyanogenic glucoside, Tannin.