ISSN: 2574-2701
Authors: Adeyoju OA, Chibudike HO*, Oluwole BO, Adebowale KO, Olu-Owolabi BI and Chibudike CE
Antinutrients or antinutritional factors are compounds or constituents which perform by reducing nutritional intake, digestibility, assimilation as well as usage, and could generate other detrimental problem when consumed. Anti-nutritional Composition of Protein Isolates from Two Varieties (DAS and BS) of Nigerian Cultivated Solojo Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp) were studied before and after dehulling of the germinated seeds while the un-germinated portion of the seeds served as the control. Both varieties (DAS and BS) investigated were soaked in distilled water and germinated at varying periods i.e. 0, 6, 24, 36, 48 and 72hrs. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Significant (p ≤0.05) reduction in phytic acid content was experienced after Solojo cowpea was germinated. The decrease in quantity of phytate with germination may be attributable to upsurge in endogenous phytase enzyme action. It was also observed that both the anti-nutrients (phytate and tannin) were greatly reduced (p<0.05) after soaking and germination took place. This might also be as a result of increase in internal phytase enzyme activity, as well as draining of dissolvable tannin compounds when soaked which was further brought down by sprouting. Antinutrients generally occurring in vegetable food possess both detrimental effects and wellness benefits. Phytic acid forms insoluble complexes with Ca, Zn, Fe and Cu, thereby making them not to be readily available for the use of the body. Flavonoids, another group of poly-phenolic antinutrients, such as tannins, enzyme inhibitors (amylase and protease) and saponins, complex metals like Fe as well as Zn and diminish the assimilation of these elemental nutrients. They similarly restrict (Constrain) the activities of digestive enzymes and they can also precipitate proteins. Some of these antinutrients are now known to possess antioxidant properties having health promoting effect, such as phytic acid shown to have abundant sources of antioxidant, anticarcinogenics and hypoglycemic properties. Phenols and tannins also have these antioxidant activities. Therefore, it might not be necessary to totally eliminate all the antinutrients.
Keywords: Solojo Cowpea; Under-utilized legumes; BS; DA; FT-IR; Un-germinated; WAC (Water Absorption Capacity)
