ISSN 2375-1134
African Journal of Agriculture ISSN 2375-1134 Vol. 7 (9), pp. 001-005, September, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Comprehensive investigation into the nutritional composition of dehulled and defatted African locust bean seed (Parkia biglobosa)
Gloria N. Elemo1*, Babajide O. Elemo2, 1Olufunmilola O. Oladunmoye1 and Ochuko L. Erukainure1
1Department of Food and Analytical Services, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, (FIIRO), Lagos, Nigeria.
2Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria.
Accepted 13 April, 2020
Abstract
The nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of the African locust bean (ALB) was evaluated, with the aim of providing data that will guide the effective utilization of it under exploited tropical legume in food applications. Seeds of the African locust bean were depulped, dehulled, dehydrated and defatted. Chemical analyses were carried out using standard methods. Anti-nutritional factors, mineral analysis, fatty acid composition and free amino acid composition were also determined. The results obtained showed it to be a good source of potassium and phosphorus. A high unsaturated-saturated fatty acid ratio was observed, with linoleic acid having the highest level. Unlike most other legumes, it has appreciable quantity of sulphur-containing amino acids and thus ideal for the fortification applications with various food formulations.
Key words: African locust bean, antinutritional factor, minerals, fatty acid, amino acid.