Abstract
Objective: The study aim was to determine the proximate composition and amino acid profiles of seeds, leaves, pods, and flowers of Erythrina edulis that are consumed in Oxapampa, Perú.
 Methods: Plant parts of E. edulis were analyzed for proximate composition (proteins, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and ash) according to AOAC methods. Amino acid profiles were determined by HPLC analysis.
 Results: Fat contents were low (<1.3%) in all four plant parts. The crude fiber was high in leaves and pods (19.9 and 15.1%, respectively). Protein contents in leaves (24.4%) and flowers (23.7%) were higher than that of the pods (19.3%). The limiting amino acids in the seeds were methionine and tryptophan, while the pods were deficient in four amino acids (methionine, tryptophan, histidine, and isoleucine). Of the four plant parts studied, the flowers turned out to be a promising source of protein because they meet most of the amino acid requirements for adults recommended by FAO.
 Conclusion: The seeds and flowers of E. edulis have a high protein content and a good amino acid profile that makes them recommended for human consumption.
Highlights
Erythrina edulis is one of the about 112 legume species belonging to the genus Erythrina [1]
The chemical compositions of seeds, leaves, pods, and flowers of E. edulis are shown in table 1
The limiting amino acids in the seeds were methionine and tryptophan, while the pods were deficient in four amino acids
Summary
Erythrina edulis is one of the about 112 legume species belonging to the genus Erythrina [1]. The name of the genus comes from erythros, which means red in reference to the color of its flowers [2] It is the only species with edible seeds and is widely cultivated in the highlands of the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia as living fenceposts and to provide food for humans and domestic animals [3]. E. edulis is a perennial tree, long-lived (average 140 y), and multipurpose It is a notable nitrogen fixer, controls soil erosion, and provides nectar from its abundant flowers. This species is one of the easiest trees to grow, does not require special care or phytosanitary treatment, and withstands long periods of drought. It can be used for shading coffee, cocoa, and other sun-sensitive crops [6, 8]
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