PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SEED OIL AND NUTRIENT ASSESSMENT OF ADENANTHERA PAVONINA, L: AN UNDERUTILIZED TROPICAL LEGUME

Analysis showed the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina contained appreciable amounts of proteins (29.44g/100g), crude fat (17.99g/100g), and minerals, comparable to commonly consumed staples. Total sugar was low (8.2g/100g) while starch (41.95g/100g) constitutes the major carbohydrates. Low levels of antinutrients were reported and methionine and cystine were the most deficient amino acids. Linoleic and oleic acids make up 70.7 percent of the total fatty acids. Free fatty acid levels were relatively high but peroxide and saponification values of 29.6mEqkg^-1 and 164.1mgKOHg^-1respectively point to a resemblance to oils processed for food. It was concluded that A. pavonina seeds represent a potential source of oil and protein that could alleviate shortages.