Nutritional and antinutritional components of Canavalia spp. seeds from the west coast sand dunes of India

Seeds of two coastal sand dune wild legumes, Canavalia cathartica and Canavalia maritima from the west coast of India were analyzed for their nutritional and antinutritional properties. The seeds contained 35.5 and 34.1% crude protein, 52.8 and 50.5% crude carbohydrates, 1.3 and 1.7% crude lipids and 3.1 and 3.5% ash content, respectively. Among the minerals, potassium was the highest followed by phosphorus. Globulins and albumins constituted the major seed proteins of both plants. Most of the essential amino acids were at adequate levels. Although the crude lipids were below 2%, the unsaturated fatty acids were high. Seeds did not contain tannins and trypsin inhibitors. The levels of total phenolics were low, but showed high hemagglutination activity. The nutritional properties of these seeds have been compared with other Canavalia spp. and wild unconventional or tribal legumes. Overall, the study results suggest that the seeds of C. cathartica and C. maritima possess potential nutritive value particularly higher protein, essential amino acids and low levels of antinutritional factors. These wild legumes are adapted to low nutrient, high saline and drought conditions of the coastal sand dunes; their conservation and domestication are warranted as potential alternative sources of protein.