Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Proximate analysis is essential in determining the nutritional composition of various plant materials. This study aimed to conduct a proximate analysis of the seed and coat of Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) and Camwood (Baphia nitida). The seeds and coats of both plant species were subjected to proximate analysis to determine their moisture content, ash content, crude protein content, crude fat content, crude fiber content, and carbohydrate content. The results showed that the seeds of Velvet Bean had a moisture content of X%, ash content of X%, crude protein content of X%, crude fat content of X%, crude fiber content of X%, and carbohydrate content of X%. In comparison, the coat of Velvet Bean exhibited a moisture content of X%, ash content of X%, crude protein content of X%, crude fat content of X%, crude fiber content of X%, and carbohydrate content of X%. On the other hand, the seeds of Camwood had a moisture content of X%, ash content of X%, crude protein content of X%, crude fat content of X%, crude fiber content of X%, and carbohydrate content of X%. Conversely, the coat of Camwood showed a moisture content of X%, ash content of X%, crude protein content of X%, crude fat content of X%, crude fiber content of X%, and carbohydrate content of X%. The proximate analysis results provide valuable information about the nutritional composition of the seeds and coats of Velvet Bean and Camwood, which can be beneficial for various applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study enhances the understanding of the nutritional value of these plant materials and can contribute to their utilization in product development and formulation. Further research can explore the bioactive compounds and phytochemical composition of Velvet Bean and Camwood to uncover their potential health benefits and therapeutic properties.

Thesis Overview

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 FamilFabaiceae

Sub Family Faboideae

Type Phaseoleae

Genus Mucuna

Specie M. pruriens.

Velvet bans (Mucuna pruriens) is an excellent cover crop and soil improver. 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. 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.

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.

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.