Phytochemical composition and nutritional potential of Vigna sahyadriana seeds: implications for urdbean breeding and improvement programs

Vigna sahyadriana Aitawade, Bhat & Yadav, a recently reported crop wild relative (CWR) of the grain legume Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper (Urdbean). Vigna sahyadriana is distributed in the Northern Western Ghats of India, and commonly known as ‘Ranmug’. This species exhibits a spreading habit and typically grows on hilly slopes, plateaus, pond sides, and grassland regions. In the present study, we analyzed the phytochemical composition and nutritional potential of V. sahyadriana seeds. Our results indicate that the seeds are a rich source of total proteins (29.81%), carbohydrates (53.88%), total ash content (8.08%), free amino acids (0.0163%), reducing sugars (0.41%), total starch (31.9%), crude lipids (4.1%), and total dietary fiber (8.81%). Additionally, the mineral composition of V. sahyadriana is comparable to that of V. mungo and V. silvestris (Lukoki, Marechal & Otoul) Aitawade, K.V. Bhat & S.R. Yadav, a closely related legume species. Vigna sahyadriana was found to be richer in sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and copper compared to V. silvestris and V. mungo. The ethanolic seed extract of V. sahyadriana showed higher concentrations of total phenolics (TPC) (169.3 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (TFC) (145.6 mg RE/g), and alkaloids (TAC) (37.1 mg CoE/g) than both V. silvestris and V. mungo. Our findings suggest that V. sahyadriana could serve as a valuable source of protein and energy, making it a promising proteinaceous legume for human consumption. Moreover, the collection, evaluation, and sustainable utilization of this newly reported CWR, V. sahyadriana, will be beneficial for urdbean breeding and improvement programs.