Nutritional Quality, Phytochemical and Mineral Assessment from Various Accessions of Bambara Groundnut

Aims: To evaluate nutritional composition, polyphenols contents and antioxidant activity from various accessions of Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea) in Malaysia.

Study Design: Different parts of BGN were extracted and investigated for its nutritional composition, total p0068enolic contents (TPC) and free radical scavenging testing. Each sample were extracted in triplicates (n=3). Tabulated data were statistically analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT).

Place and Duration of Study: Herbarium and Phytochemistry Laboratory. Agrobiodiversity and Environment Research Centre (Kompleks MyGene Bank), MARDI, Serdang, Malaysia from November 2023 to February 2024.

Methodology: Four accessions of BGN (BGN996, BGN997, BGN998 and BGN999) were morphologically characterized and determine its proximate and minerals composition while different parts (seed, pod and testa) from each of the accessions were extracted to evaluate its polyphenols content and antioxidant activity.

Results: The nutritional analysis revealed significant variations in carbohydrate, protein, and energy content among the accessions. BGN 999 exhibited the highest carbohydrate (65.2 g/100g) and energy contents (403.7 kcal/100g), while BGN 997 had the highest protein content (22.6 g/100g). Analysis of mineral composition showed potassium as the predominant mineral, with contents ranging from 1552.7 to 1712.3 mg/100g, surpassing other essential minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. Meanwhile, extracts from the different parts of BGN (seed, pod and testa) from all of the accessions were subjected to the TPC and antioxidant testing. The TPC analysis showed significant differences in phenolic contents across different BGN parts, with the testa exhibiting the highest TPC (45.02 to 56.78 g GAE/100g DW). The free radical scavenging assay revealed that BGN 996 had the strongest antioxidant activity among the testas, with the lowest IC50 value (0.37 mg/ml).

Conclusion: This study underscores the nutritional and antioxidant potential of Bambara groundnut, highlighting its role as a functional food rich in phenolic compounds and essential nutrients beneficial for human health. Future research should further explore its applications in both the food and nutraceutical industries, leveraging its promising attributes for enhanced dietary and health benefits.