Biochemical and nutritional evaluation of Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) Lackey (Fabaceae)

Seeds of Neonotonia wightii (Wight & Arn.) Lackey (Fabaceae), used as food by Malayali tribals in the Kollihills of Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu in Peninsular India, locally known as Adutheenikai, were analyzed for proximate composition, total (true) seed proteins, amino acid composition, fatty acid composition, minerals and antinutritional factors. The information is reported here for the first time in science. Crude protein, crude fat, ash and nitrogen free extractives constitute 20.6, 12.8, 5.8%, and 52.1g/100g seed flour, respectively. The calorific value of 100-g dry matter of seed material is 1700 kJ. The essential amino acids, leucine, lysine, isoleucine, valine, therionine and histidine are present in higher concentrations as 79, 54, 44, 37, 34 and 32 mg/100g crude protein, respectively. The limiting essential amino acids were cystine, methionine and tryptophan. The unsaturated fatty acids constitute more than 60% of seed lipids. The seeds were found to be a potential source of minerals such as potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper. The concentration of these minerals was relatively more than that of NRC/NAC recommended dietary allowances. The anti-nutritional factors such as total free phenols, tannins, l-DOPA, hydrogen cyanide and phytic acid contents were also determined.