Chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of the less known pulses, Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal and Vigna vexillata (L.) A. Rich.

The seeds of Vigna aconitifolia and Vigna vexillata were analysed for proximate composition, minerals, seed protein fractions, amino acids, fatty acids, and antinutritional factors. Both the pulses were found to be rich sources of proteins and minerals like Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Mn. Vigna aconitifolia seeds exhibited fairly high levels of crude lipid. The most limiting essential amino acids in both the pulses were the sulphur-amino acids, cystine, and methionine. Threonine in V. aconitifolia and phenylalanine and tyrosine in V. vexillata occurred in higher quantities when compared with WHO/FAO requirement pattern. Oleic acid and palmitic acid in V. aconitifolia and linoleic acid and palmitic acid in V. vexillata lipids were found to be the predominant fatty acids. The tannin content of both the pulses was negligible compared with the domesticated legumes. The other antinutritional factors like total free phenols, L-DOPA and haemagglutinating activity were also analysed/assayed.