Nutritional evaluation of Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean) cultivated in North East region of India

Abstract, International Journal of Botany Studies, 2016 September

Canavalia ensiformis is a legume, mainly used for nutrition, especially in NorthEast India, South East Asian countries and South American countries. It is also a rich source of Concanavalin A and can also be used as an animal fodder. In Northeast India this plant is cultivated mainly for domestic consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional composition of pods of Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean) with the help of proximate analysis. The proximate composition were determined in the form of moisture content (83.3%), reducing sugar (2.21%), total sugar (3.41%), acidity (0.19), vitamin C (8.087 mg/100g), protein (10.85 g/100g), fat (1.59 g/100g), carbohydrates (12.15 g/100g) and crude fiber (3.98 g/100g). Based on the result of this study, the pods of Canavalia ensiformis was found to be a potential source of protein, vitamin and energy supplements.

Keywords: Canavalia ensiformis, North-East India, proximate analysis, vitamin, protein