La Rivista italiana delle sostanze grasse

The nutrient composition of dehusked Dioclea reflexa seed was studied. Results of proximate composition indicated a low moisture content (10.02 ± 0.27%) and high crude protein content (44.43 ± 0.45%). Ash, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate content were 3.07 ± 0.05, 1459 ± 0.36, 0.98 ± 0.02 and 26.91 ± 0.18% respectively. Nutritionally valuable mineral analysis showed that D. reflexa is rich in potassium and phosphorus (496.20 ± 0.50 and 420.40 ± 0.20 mg/100 g respectively), and very low in copper and manganese (1.45 ± 0.04 and 1.64 ± 0.02 mg/100 g respectively). Eighteen amino acids were detected in varying concentration in the seeds, and among the essential amino acid assayed, leucine, with a chemical score of 81.14%, appeared to be the most limiting as others had scores above 100%, all compared with the NRC reference protein pattern. Three toxic substances were determined: phytic acid was 318.40 ± 0.30 mg/100 g; tannin 151.80 ± 0.20 mg/100 g; and hydrocyanic acid 2.10 ± 0.05 mg/100 g. D. reflexa is therefore a cheap source of animal nutrients which has been hitherto underutilized.

Nutrient composition of Dioclea reflexa seed : An underutilized edible legume