Nutritional evaluation of rhynchosia minima and rhynchosia hirta

Seeds of Rhynchosia minima (L) DC and Rhynchosia hirta contained 19.24 % and 8.97% crude proteins, 2.76 % and 8.34 % albumins, 2.79 % and 7.44 % globulins, 3.78 % and 1.67 % free amino acids, 47.16% and 66.10 % carbohydrates respectively. DPPH Antioxidant activity showed 70.09 % inhibition in Rhynchosia minima emphasizing its antioxidant potential. Anti-nutritional analysis indicated the presences of 0.81 % and 0.82 % Phenols, 0.51 % and 0.48 % Tannins, 0.36 % and 0.40 % phytic acid respectively in the two species. Trypsin inhibitor was recorded as 3.78 and 1.67 TIU/mg. Presence of lower amounts of anti-nutrients and limited activity of trypsin inhibitor may be considered as the properties, favourable for its rich nutritive value.