Biochemical functional and physical characterization of Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. Fabaceae] seeds grown in septentrional area of Cameroon

Abstract

Bambara groundnuts are adapted to varied agro-ecological conditions.Due to its great diversity and high nutritional content, Bambara groundnuts contribute to a healthy and balanced diet.The objective of this study is to carry out a physico-chemical and functional characterization of 20 Bambara groundnuts morphotypes to determine their nutritive potential.Bambara groundnuts morphotypes were collected in the septentrional area of Cameroon.The results of the surveys show that Bambara groundnuts are a legume used for both food and the treatment of certain diseases, making it a medicinal product.The seed colours of the Bambara groundnut morphotypes differed significantly (P= 0.00).The lipid contents ranged from 7.06 to 9.05% and with energy values between 396.78±2.64 and 405.90±2.84Kcal/100g but these parameters were not significantly different.The total carbohydrate content and the average protein contents varied between 53.05 and 64.03% dry matter respectively and were significantly different.Thus, the seeds of these morphotypes are mainly rich in proteins and carbohydrates.Five morphotypes CM/AD/MC/32, CM/EN/DW/27, CM/EN/MC/13, CM/EN/DW/12, CM/EN/MC/30 are shown to be particularly interesting and can be exploited to obtain other more efficient varieties.The vegetable proteins contained in these seeds can relieve a large part of the population exposed to malnutrition due to protein deficiency.