Chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng. (Fabaceae)

Seeds of Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng. (Fabaceae), used as food by Malayal i tribals in the Kollihills of Salem District, Tamil Nadu in South India, w ere investigated for their nutritional value. These seeds were analyzed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, seed protein fractions, amino acid composition, fatty acid composition, minerals and antinutrition al factors. Crude protein, crude fat, ash, and nitrogen free extracts const ituted 22.86%, 6.10%, 4.62%, and, 58.15%, respectively, of the seed weight. The caloric value of 100 g dry matter of seed material was 378.94 kcal. Th e essential amino acids lysine, leucine + isoleucine, arginine, valine and histidine were present in relatively large quantities. The unsaturated fatt y acids constituted more than 60% of the crude fat. Concentrations of miner als such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and, phosphorus were high. Antin utritional factors such as total free phenols, tannins, L-DOPA, hydrogen cy anide and phytic acid were present in minute quantities. These antinutritio nal factors are potentially eliminated using the conventional method of soa king the seeds in water, boiling with water and decanting prior to consumpt ion.