Assessment of physical, nutritional and functional attributes of Parkia biglandulosa W. & A.: An underexplored semi-wild tree legume species of Parkia genera

Abstract

Parkia biglandulosa W. & A. found growing in different parts of India is an underexplored species of Parkia genera. It is scarcely known for ethno-medicinal, food and nutrition potential, unlike other well-known Indo-Pacific and African species. In this study, the dry ripened pods, pulp and seeds were undertaken for physical and descriptive characterization. Further whole seeds (PBSF) and pulp (PBPP) powders were analyzed for proximate, physico-chemical, mineral content and functional properties. PBPP was found to have high crude fiber (17.64%) and ash content (5.86%), whereas, PBSF was found to contain high amounts of crude fat (20.37%) and crude protein (37.44%). PBSF was found to be high in magnesium (192.34 mg/100g), iron (6.06 mg/100g), zinc (6.86 mg/100g) and copper (2.11 mg/100g) and PBPP showed significantly major amounts of calcium (266 mg/100g) and potassium (1035.08 mg/100g). The results for functional properties showed significant differences between PBSF and PBPP. This is the first account about the nutrition and functional attributes of the pulp and seeds from dried pods of P. biglandulosa. This study highlights the potential utilization of this legume species to boost efficient processing and consumption and in addressing food and nutrition insecurity crisis.