Chemical composition of certain tribal pulses in South India.

Raw seeds of tribal pulses Atylosia scarabaeoides, Canavalia gladiata, Lablab purpureus var. lignosus, Neonotonia wightii var. coimbatorensis, Rhynchosia filipes, Vigna trilobata and Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata were investigated for their proximate composition, minerals, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid) and certain anti-nutritional substances. The seeds of L. purpureus var. lignosus and V. trilobata had a higher content of crude protein than the commonly consumed Indian pulses. The seeds were found to be a rich source of minerals like potassium when compared with recommended dietary allowance values. The total free phenolics, tannins, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and hydrogen cyanide were also analysed.