Abstract
Legumes are widely grown and consumed in different parts of world not only for their nutritional value, but also their adaptability to marginal soils and climates. They also have immense potential for the improvement of nutritional quality to overcome protein malnutrition. Major Vigna species including Vigna radiata, Vigna angularis, Vigna unguiculata, Vigna umbellata and Vigna mungo are important dietary staple legumes worldwide, containing variable amounts of oligosaccharides, phytic acid, lectins, phenolic compounds and saponins. Earlier these compounds were considered antinutrients as they reduce the protein digestibility and mineral bioavailability, have recently elicited significant health protective effects in the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. Some of these compounds are also important in plant defense mechanisms against predators or adverse environmental conditions. The present study reviews potential benefits of different bioactive components of Vigna species for their nutraceutical and pharmacological significance.
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