Proximate composition, phytochemical screening and some antinutritional factors of three accessions of lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus ) an underutilized legume

Lima bean (LB) (Phaseolus lunatus) is an underutilized legumein Nigeria and West Africa despite its numerous nutritional benefits. This study evaluated the proximate composition, phytochemical screening and antinutritional factors (ANFs) of three accessions of Lima beans; LB 001, LB 011 and LB 015 from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Oyo State. All analyses were done using standard protocols. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Result of proximate analysis revealed that LB 011 recorded the highest value for crude protein (25.70 0.06%), crude fat (3.10 0.05%) and crude fibre (3.20 0.06%) and moisture content (9.3 0.16%), LB 015 recorded the highest value for ash (3.90 0.04%), nitrogen free extract (60.35 0.20%) while LB001 gave the highest value for drymatter (92.30 2.50%).Phytochemical screening revealed presence of saponin, flavonoid and alkaloid in the three accessions of LB while anthraquinone and cardiac glycoside were absent in all the LB accessions. Results of ANFs showed that LB 001 recorde the highest value for alkaloid (56.67±5.78mg/g), LB 015 gave the highest value for tannin (93.33±2.89 mg/g) and saponin (61.67±2.89 mg/g) while LB 011 had the highest oxalate content (30±5.00mg/g). The study concluded that the three accessions of lima beans have high levels of crude protein, crude fat and ash and phytochemicals, which compared favourably with that of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), a conventional legume. However, the ANFs present in LBneed adequate processing for their reduction and optimal utilization as a protein source for human and animals.