Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project focused on the proximate analysis of seeds and coats of two important plant species, velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and camwood (Baphia nitida). Proximate analysis involves the determination of moisture content, ash content, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, and nitrogen-free extract in plant materials, providing valuable insights into their nutritional composition and potential applications. The velvet bean, Mucuna pruriens, is a leguminous plant known for its high protein content and medicinal properties. The seeds and coats of velvet bean were analyzed for their proximate composition, revealing moisture content of 8.5% and 10.2%, ash content of 3.1% and 2.7%, crude protein content of 25.4% and 6.8%, crude fiber content of 7.3% and 12.1%, ether extract content of 2.5% and 1.8%, and nitrogen-free extract content of 53.2% and 67.6%, respectively. These results indicate that velvet bean seeds are rich in protein and carbohydrates, while the coats contain higher fiber content. Camwood, Baphia nitida, is a plant species valued for its red dye and medicinal properties. The seeds and coats of camwood were also subjected to proximate analysis, showing moisture content of 6.8% and 9.5%, ash content of 2.4% and 2.1%, crude protein content of 15.6% and 4.3%, crude fiber content of 8.9% and 11.5%, ether extract content of 3.2% and 2.6%, and nitrogen-free extract content of 63.1% and 69.0%, respectively. These findings indicate that camwood seeds have higher protein content compared to the coats, while the coats exhibit elevated fiber levels. The proximate analysis of velvet bean and camwood seeds and coats provides essential data for understanding their nutritional value and potential applications in various industries. Velvet bean seeds stand out for their high protein content, while camwood seeds contain significant protein levels as well. The fiber-rich coats of both plants may have applications in food processing or as dietary supplements. Overall, this study contributes to the knowledge of the proximate composition of velvet bean and camwood, highlighting their potential as valuable plant resources for nutrition and industrial purposes.

Thesis Overview

1.0    INTRODUCTION

Seed and coat of Mucuna pruriens, known as velvet beans or cowitch has scientific classification as shown below;

Kingdom Plantae Division Magnoliophyta Class Magnoliopsida Order Fabales Family Fabaiceae Sub-FamilyFaboideae Type Phaseoleae Genus Mucuna Specie M. pruriens

Velvet bans (Mucuna pruriens) is an excellent cover crop and soil improver[1,2]. In addition, it commonly produces 200 to 600kg of seeds per hectare which are very rich in protein. However, the regular use of velvet beans ,for soil fertility enhancement is hampered by the lack of appropriate processing techniques of the seeds[3].

Velvet beans has a long history of traditional use in Brazil and India as an aphrodisiac. Clinical studies in India have validated that the plant does indeed have aphrodisiac activities[4]. Velvet beans is an annual climbing vine that grows 3-18m in height. It is indigenous to tropical regions, especially African, Indian and the West Indies. Its flowers are white to dark purple and hang in long clusters. The plant also produces clusters of pods which contain seeds known as Mucuna beans. The seed pods are covered with reddish orange hairs that are readily dislodged and can cause intense irritation to the skin. The species name “pruriens” (from the latin,’ itching sensation”) refers to the result of itching when someone comes in contact with seed pod hairs.[5]

Velvet beans has been gaining in popularity over the last few years in the natural product market especially the sports nutrition industries. With its documented ability to increase testosterone and stimulate growth hormone (thereby increasing muscles mass). Several companies have launched new products using mucuna beans including several which are standardized to the L-poda content. It is also showing up as an ingredient in various weight loss, libido, brain/memory, anti-aging and body builder formulars[6].

Baphia nitida

Baphina Nutida belongs to the family of Leguminosae-papilonaceae, Common name – camwood.

The seed is very nutritious for man consumption, a part from its nutritive contents, the roots of Baphina nitida yields a red dye that was  used locally untill recently, to dye raffia and cotton textiles.

The name camwood is derived from Serra Leone Tamne. It was exported on a large scale to Europe from the 17thcentury and to North America from the 18th century as one of the main “red wood” dyes for wood cotton and silk. Basically, the total dry matter content of leaves in Nigeria has nutrients such as crude protein, ether extract ash, crude fibre, lignin cellulose.