A proximate, mineral composition and anti-nutritional factors of the aerial parts of <i>Lablab purpureus</i> (L.) sweet

Abstract

This study evaluates the nutritional and anti-nutritional potentials of the aerial part of Lablab purpureus as it relates to its use in Animal nutrition. The preliminary phytochemical test of the plant revealed the presence of bioactive secondary metabolites; glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, coumarins, phenols, carbohydrates and terpenoids in the crude extract. Results from the study revealed significant mineral composition in Lablab purpureus. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic (AAS) technique was employed in the elemental analysis. Substantial amounts of Ca, Na, K and Mg were found, while Cu, Fe, P, Mn and Zn were present in trace amounts. Proximate analysis revealed the ash and fat contents to be 5.6 % and 4.2 % respectively. The protein level, total Carbohydrate and Fibre contents were determined to be 25.4 %, 46.93 % and 7.5 % respectively. The presence of anti-nutritional secondary metabolites; tannins, saponins, oxalates, phytates, cyanogenic glycosides and free phenolics were quantitatively determined to be 0.50 %, 3.8 %, 0.70 %, 2.2 %, 1.2 % and 2.1 % respectively. The results of the phytochemical constituents, proximate composition, anti-nutritional factors and mineral composition of the aerial part of Lablab purpureus in this study demonstrates high nutrients content with potentials to meet the nutritional requirements in monogastric diets.

Keywords: Anti-nutritional composition, Lablab Purpureus, Mineral composition, Proximate analysis