Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical compositions and microbiological quality of seeds of the legume Mucuna pruriens (MP) grown in northeastern Brazil. MP flour and extract were produced and evaluated for proximate, mineral, and phytochemical compositions, fatty acid profile, and microbiological quality. MP flour and seed extract showed 43.12 and 43.4% of protein, 7 and 7.6% lipid matter, 37.19 and 33.33% starch, and 5.64 and 2.36% fiber (p<0.05), respectively. Abundant minerals found were in both the extract as flour, such as potassium (635 and 679 mg/g), iron (79 and 158 mg/g), and phosphorus (83 and 93 mg/g). Flavonoids, steroids, and saponins were detected. The main fatty acids found were myristic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. Microbiological evaluation did not indicate the presence of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms. MP produced in Northeastern Brazil is an alternative source of carbohydrate, fiber, protein, essential fatty acids, minerals, saponins and flavonoids, which may encourage its potential consumption and marketing. Key words: Mineral composition, microbiological quality, phytochemicals, legume.
Highlights
Mucuna pruriens (MP) is a member of the Fabaceae family, composed of approximately 650 genera and 2,000 species
The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and phytochemical composition and microbiological quality of M. pruriens grown in northeastern Brazil, with the purpose of encouraging the human consumption of this legume
Difference (p
Summary
Mucuna pruriens (MP) is a member of the Fabaceae family, composed of approximately 650 genera and 2,000 species. This leguminous plant grows pods about 12 cm long that contain about 7 seeds of varied coloration from beige to brown and black, and striped ones. This legume is known as “velvet bean, lion bean, nescafe, and cowage”, among others. It is a leguminous plant originating in India and cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, southeastern Asia, and in tropical regions of Central and South America (Hammerton, 2003). MP is largely grown in northeastern Brazil, where it is used as “green manure” due to its capacity to fix nitrogen for the soil or as a supplement for animal feed and in a minor volume used as food source or in the traditional medicine (Raina et al, 2012), being an important source of income for many farmers and for the economy.
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