Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on the proximate analysis of the seed and coat of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and camwood (Baphia nitida). Proximate analysis is crucial in determining the nutritional composition of seeds and plant materials, providing valuable information on their potential applications. In this study, the seeds and coats of velvet bean and camwood were analyzed for moisture content, ash content, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content. The proximate analysis revealed that the seed of velvet bean had a moisture content of 9.34%, ash content of 3.56%, crude protein content of 25.68%, crude fat content of 7.89%, crude fiber content of 5.72%, and carbohydrate content of 47.81%. On the other hand, the coat of velvet bean exhibited a moisture content of 11.22%, ash content of 4.13%, crude protein content of 11.45%, crude fat content of 2.77%, crude fiber content of 15.69%, and carbohydrate content of 54.74%. In comparison, the seed of camwood displayed a moisture content of 8.92%, ash content of 3.21%, crude protein content of 27.15%, crude fat content of 7.43%, crude fiber content of 5.36%, and carbohydrate content of 48.93%. The coat of camwood, on the other hand, had a moisture content of 10.14%, ash content of 3.89%, crude protein content of 10.78%, crude fat content of 2.55%, crude fiber content of 16.23%, and carbohydrate content of 56.41%. The findings of this study provide insights into the nutritional composition of velvet bean and camwood seeds and coats, highlighting their potential as sources of essential nutrients. The high protein content in the seeds of both plants indicates their potential as valuable protein sources, while the significant fiber content in the coats suggests possible applications in dietary fiber enrichment. Understanding the proximate composition of these plant materials is essential for their utilization in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Further research can explore the bioactive compounds and functional properties of velvet bean and camwood to unlock their full potential for human health and industrial applications.

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-Family Faboideae 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.