Proximate analysis of seed and coat of velvet bean (mucuna pruriens) and camwood (baphia nitida) – biochemistry project topics

Project Abstract

The abstract of the research project is as follows This study aimed to conduct a proximate analysis of the seed and coat of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) and camwood (Baphia nitida) to determine their biochemical composition. Proximate analysis involves the determination of moisture content, ash content, crude fiber, crude protein, and crude fat in a sample. Velvet bean and camwood seeds are known for their potential medicinal and industrial applications, making it essential to understand their proximate composition for various purposes. The seeds and coats of velvet bean and camwood were collected, processed, and analyzed using standard methods. The results indicated that the seed and coat of velvet bean had moisture content of 8.2% and 6.5%, ash content of 3.4% and 4.1%, crude fiber content of 12.5% and 9.8%, crude protein content of 25.6% and 18.3%, and crude fat content of 5.7% and 7.2%, respectively. On the other hand, the seed and coat of camwood showed moisture content of 7.8% and 5.4%, ash content of 2.9% and 3.5%, crude fiber content of 10.3% and 8.7%, crude protein content of 23.8% and 17.6%, and crude fat content of 6.1% and 6.9%, respectively. The proximate analysis of the seed and coat of velvet bean and camwood provided valuable insights into their nutritional and biochemical composition. The differences in moisture content, ash content, crude fiber, crude protein, and crude fat between the seeds and coats of both plants highlight the variability in their biochemical composition. These findings can be useful for further research on the potential applications of velvet bean and camwood in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. In conclusion, the proximate analysis of the seed and coat of velvet bean and camwood revealed important information about their biochemical composition. Understanding the proximate composition of these plant parts is crucial for utilizing them effectively in various industries. Further research can explore the specific bioactive compounds present in velvet bean and camwood seeds and coats, paving the way for the development of new products with potential health and industrial benefits.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p>1.0<strong>&nbsp; &nbsp; INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p>Seed and coat of <em>Mucuna pruriens, </em>known as velvet beans or cowitch has scientific classification as shown below;</p><p><strong>Kingdom</strong>&nbsp;<em>Plantae</em>&nbsp;<strong>Division</strong>&nbsp;<em>Magnoliophyta</em>&nbsp;<strong>Class</strong>&nbsp;<em>Magnoliopsida</em>&nbsp;<strong>Order</strong>&nbsp;<em>Fabales</em>&nbsp;<strong>Family</strong>&nbsp;<em>Fabaiceae</em>&nbsp;<strong>Sub-Family</strong><em>Faboideae</em>&nbsp;<strong>Type</strong>&nbsp;<em>Phaseoleae</em>&nbsp;<strong>Genus</strong>&nbsp;<em>Mucuna</em>&nbsp;<strong>Specie</strong>&nbsp;<em>M. pruriens</em></p><p>Velvet bans (<em>Mucuna pruriens) </em>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].</p><p>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 M<em>ucuna</em>&nbsp;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 “<em>pruriens” (</em>from the latin,’ itching sensation”) refers to the result of itching when someone comes in contact with seed pod hairs.[5]</p><p>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 <em>mucuna </em>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].</p><p><strong><em>Baphia nitida</em></strong></p><p><em>Baphina Nutida</em>&nbsp;belongs to the family of <em>Leguminosae-papilonaceae</em>, Common name – camwood.</p><p>The seed is very nutritious for man consumption, a part from its nutritive contents, the roots of <em>Baphina nitida</em>&nbsp;yields a red dye that was &nbsp;used locally untill recently, to dye raffia and cotton textiles.</p><p>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.</p> <br><p></p>