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Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 4(8): 2222-2231, 2010
ISSN 1991-8178
The Potentials of a Lesser Known Nigerian Legume, Senna Siamea Seeds as a
Plant Protein Source
1J.N. Ingweye, 2G.A. Kalio, 3J.A. Ubua and 4G.S. Effiong
1Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services, Cross River State Field Office,
G.P.O. Box 3385, Calabar, Nigeria
2Department of Agriculture, Rivers State College of Education, Ndele Campus, P.M.B. 5047, Port
Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
3Department of Animal Science, Cross River State University of Technology, Obubra Campus,
Cross River State, Nigeria
4Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Abstract: The present study assessed the nutritional potentials of the raw seeds of Senna siamea. The
results reveal that raw Senna siamea seeds had high in dry matter (91.02% wet weight), crude protein
(25.09 % dry matter) and crude fiber (13.65 % dry matter) contents but poor percentage ether extract,
nitrogen free extract, ash and caloric value. Among the vitamins assessed (riboflavin, thiamine, niacin,
vitamins C, E and A), only niacin was abundant (2.08 mg/100g). The seeds were also rich in calcium
(800 mg/100g), phosphorus (7300 mg/100g), sodium (550 mg/100g), magnesium (460 mg/100g), iron
(206.80 mg/100g), zinc (26.49 mg/100g) and copper (8.38 mg/100g). The concentrations of potassium,
molybdenum, cobalt, chromium, selenium, sulphur and flourine in the seeds were low. Flourine was
the most abundant micro mineral element (0.83 mg/100g). Seventeen amino acids were detected.
Senna siamea seeds showed high valine (4.01 g/100g), leucine (8.35 g/100g), isoleucine (3.55 g/100g)
and histidine (2.52 g/100g) contents. Glutamic acid was the most abundant (8.9 g/100g) amino acid.
Leucine had the highest concentration among the essential amino acids, while cystine was the most
limiting of this group (1.05 g/100g). All the antinutrients studied were low in concentration except
phytate (200.24 mg/100g). We conclude that though rich in nutrients, there may be need for
processing of the raw seeds to render the antinutrients harmless when Senna siamea seed meal is fed
to livestock, especially monogastrics.
Key words: Senna siamea, nutritional value, Nigerian legume, livestock, feeding stuff
INTRODUCTION
An increase in meat and animal products consumption is eminent in emerging and developing economies
(Delgado et al., 1999), yet the consumption of animal protein is still low in developing countries like Nigeria
(Food and Agriculture Organization, 2001; Okojie, 1999). One reason often advanced for this scenario is the
high cost of these animal proteins often beyond the purchasing power of the majority and poor people of these
countries. Livestock feeds contribute about 50-70 % of the total cost of production of farmed animals (Poultry,
1985). In order to boost the animal protein consumption of developing countries and achieve Millennium
Development Goal 1 (MDG 1), there is need to reduce the cost of livestock products by bringing down the
cost of their feed. Soybean which is the main source of plant protein in the diets of farm animals is
increasingly finding new uses as biodiesel stock (Spore, 2008) in response to the deepening world energy crisis.
In addition, the use of soybean for food and energy by man often takes precedence over its use for livestock
feeding. This dilemma has encouraged livestock nutritionists and feed millers to seek for alternatives to
soybean as plant protein source in livestock diets. The alternative protein source has to be cheap, locally
available and preferably not used as food by man.
Corresponding Author: Ingweye, Julius Naligwu, Federal Department of Livestock & Pest Control Services Cross
River State Field Office G.P.O. Box 3385, Calabar (540001)
Cross River State, Nigeria Tel: +2348032573003
E-mail: ingweyejn@yahoo.com
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Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 4(8): 2222-2231, 2010
Senna siamea, one of the numerous species of the genus Senna seems to have these characteristics. The
plant measures about 1.5-2m tall, with colourful flowers (Alli Smith, 2009). It grows widely in the tropics and
the leaves and flowers of this plant are used for food and in cuisines in Thailand and Laos (Kiepe, 2001).
Senna species for long have played roles in human medicine. Several studies have been carried out on the
leaves and bark for medicinal purposes (Lose et al., 2000; Alli Smith, 2009; Shelton, 2000l; Day and
Underwood, 1986). The domestication of its relative, Senna obtusifolia, as food for the Sahelian people, gave
promising seed yield of 1ton/ha (Oasternak et al.,2007).
There is dearth of information on the nutritional value of Senna siamea seeds especially of the plants
growing in the Calabar edaphic and climatic zone, South Eastern Nigeria for possible use in human food and
animal feed. Therefore, this work set out to assess the proximate, vitamin, mineral, amino acids and anti
nutritional composition of Senna siamea seeds as a potential feed ingredient for livestock.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Location of the Study Area and Collection of Seeds:
The ripe seeds of S. siamea were collected from plants growing in the botanical garden of the Department
of Botany, University of Calabar located at the main Campus, University of Calabar, Calabar. Calabar is
located at latitude 04.57oN and longitude 08.20oE. The plants were identified by a taxonomist at the Botany
Department, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Preparation of the Seeds:
The seeds from the field were weighed and oven dried (Toshniwal Brothers (SR) Private LTD, Chennai,
India) at 80oC in a paper bag for 24 hours followed by cooling in a dessicator for the dry matter (DM) to be
taken. The dry seeds were ground to powder using a laboratory blender and sieved using a 0.5mm mesh sieve.
The flour was stored in screw-capped bottles at room temperature for use in the analyses.
Determination of Proximate Composition:
The sieved flour was used for the analysis of crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE),
nitrogen free extract (NFE) and ash. This was done according to the methods of (Association, 1999). The
calorific value of the seeds was estimated by multiplying the CP, NFE and EE values by 4, 3.75 and 9 and
adding up the results (Association, 1984).
Determination of Vitamins:
The Vitamin C was estimated by the 2, 4-dinitrophenylhidrazine method in conjunction with
spectrophotometric measurement (Osborne, 1985). Vitamin A was determined using the method described by
(Davies, 1976) while vitamin B1, B2, B3 and E were determined spetrophotometrically as stated by
(Association, 1999).
Determination Mineral Elements:
The ash residue was dissolved in HNO3 with 50 g/l of LaCl3(Larrauri et al., 1996) and all the mineral
elements were determined separately using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Hitachi Z6100, Tokyo, Japan)
except phosphorus value that was determined using the phosphomolybdate method (Association, 1990).
Determination of Amino Acids:
The amino acid content of the raw seed flour was determined using the methods of (Spackman et al.,
1958). The sample was dried to constant weight, defatted, hydrolysed, evaporated in a rotary evaporator and
loaded into the Technicon Sequential Multi-sample Amino Acid Analyzer (TSM) using ion-exchange
chromatography (Technicon Instruments Corporation, Dublin, Ireland). Details have been described by (Adeyeye
and Afolabi, 2004).
Determination of Antinutritional Factors:
Phytates were determined according to the methods of (Mohamed et al., 1986) using chromatophore
reagent. Tannins were analyzed using the modified Vanidlin-HCl method of (Price et al., 1978). Saponins were
extracted and estimated according to the methods of (Shukla and Thakur, 1986). Estimation of oxalates was
by the procedures described by (Dye, 1956). Hydrocyanic acid was determined according to the method of
(Rao and Hahn, 1984) while phytohaemagylutinin activity was estimated as stated by (liener and Hill. 1953).
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Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 4(8): 2222-2231, 2010
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Proximate Composition:
Table 1 shows the proximate composition of S. siamea. The results indicates that the dry matter (DM);
crude protein (CP); ether extract (EE); crude fibre (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE); ash and caloric value were
91.02% of wet weight, 25.09%DM, 1.82%DM, 13.65%DM, 47.73%DM; 2.73%DM and 295.37 kcal/100gDM,
respectively.
The DM, though lower than the values reported for Canavalia species and Cassia floribunda (Sridhar and
Seena, 2006; Vadivel et al., 2001), was higher than the figures reported for other legumes (Dubey et al., 2008;
Hanbury et al., 2000). It was also within the range for most legumes, therefore, indicating a long shelf life
during storage.
The EE content was low compared to some legumes (Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005; Umoren et al., 2005;
Ajah and Madubuik, 1997), but similar to values reported for mung beans, Egyptian and Canadian cowpea and
kidney beans; beach peas; Nigerian cowpea varieties (Odudu, Achi, Shiru and Jokada) and Cassia floribunda
(Mubarak, 2005; Vadivel et al., 2001; Khattab et al., 2009; Chinma et al., 2008; Shahidi et al., 1999).
Although within the range of leguminous seeds, the low EE content indicates a tendency for low caloric value
compared to oil seed cakes of the same pulse family.
The CF level was high. This was higher than 4.63 and 3.09 - 4.66%DM reported by (Khattab et al., 2009)
and (Mubarak, 2005) for some legume seeds. The high fibre level could be due to the tough seed coat,
necessitating decortication before use in monogastric diets.
The NFE content was slightly lower compared to figures reported for Mucuna pruriens,Phaseolus aureus,
Egyptian peas, kidney beans and cowpeas (Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005; Mubarak, 2005; Khattab et al., 2009).
The low NFE value would contribute to low caloric value.
The ash content was low compared to 4.37 g/100g, 5.6g/100g and 3.98-6.42 g/100g for Millettia obenensis,
Cassia floribunda and Cassia hirsuta (Umoren et al., 2005; Vadivel and Janardhanan, 2000). Although low
in total ash, the results for individual mineral elements would give a clearer picture of the ash profile of the
seed meal. The caloric value was a little lower than 347.84 kcal/100g and 375.32 - 383.91 kcal/100g reported
for some legumes (Khattab et al., 2009; Chinma et al., 2008). The caloric value is indicative of the low NFE
and EE values (McDonald et al., 1995). The use of S. siamea in monogastric diets, therefore, requires addition
of high energy ingredients like maize and oils, but the addition of these feed stuffs should be within acceptable
limits.
Vitamin Composition:
The vitamin profile of S. siamea is shown in Table 2. The riboflavin (vitamin B2), Thiamine ( vitamin B1),
niacin (vitamin B3), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and tocopherol (vitamin E) values were 0.13, 0.72, 2.08, 8.80
and 3.60 mg/100g, respectively, while 140.90 IU/100g was recorded for vitamin A. The riboflavin value was
low, compared to 3.29 mg/100g recorded for Amaranthus hybridus leaves (Akubugwo et al., 2007). Man and
monogastrics cannot synthesize ribloflavin, therefore, dependent on dietary supply. Though grains, dry beans,
peas and nuts are rich sources of riboflavin (Chatterjea and Shinde, 2007), in this case it was low. To use seed
flour of S. siamea for monogastrics and human feeding therefore needs supplementation with dietary sources
high in it.
The thiamine value compared to that of Amaranthus hybridus (Akubugwo et al., 2007) was low, but
comparable to the thiamine content of soyabean (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007). Cereal grains are the main
rich sources of this vitamin, considering their aleurone layer which is often removed during polishing
(Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007). To feed animals with this legume seed meal, therefore, it is necessary to
include whole grains or supplement with cereal polishings and other supplements.
The niacin content of S. siamea compared to 1.54mg/100g reported for A. hybridus (Akubugwo et al.,
2007) was slightly higher. Legumes, green leafy vegetables and nuts have been reported to be high in niacin
(Chatterjea and Shinde, 2007), thus agreeing with literature. However, the inclusion of these seeds in maize
rich diets for animals needs caution to retain the rich niacin status. This is because the requirement for niacin
increases with increase in the percentage of corn in diets and synthesis of niacin from tryptophan is not
possible in this case since maize protein zein, lacks tryptophan (Chatterjea and Shinde, 2007).
The vitamin C content of S. siamea was low compared to 700 mg/100g, 300 mg/100g and 25.40 mg/100g
reported for Indian goose berry, guava fruit and A. hybrdus (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007; Akubugwo et
al., 2007). This agrees with literature that legumes are not rich in vitamin C (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007;
Banerjee, 2004). However, most animals except bats and guinea pigs can synthesize this vitamin from glucose
(Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007).
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Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 4(8): 2222-2231, 2010
Vitamin E, an anti-oxidant helps to protect other vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids from
peroxidation, aid in the synthesis of vitamine C and reduces the risk of atheroscleorosis (Vasudevan and
Sreekumari, 2007). The vitamin E value in this case compared to 145 mg/100g, 13 mg/100g and 4-10 mg/100g
in wheat, whole sunflower seed meal and sweet potatoes is low (Banerjee, 2004). Supplementation is therefore
necessary in S. siamea seed rich feed.
Vitamin A content of S. siamea was low compared with 710 IU/100g and 150 IU/100g of soyabean and
mung beans (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007). This agrees with literature, therefore, supplementation with
rich sources like Amaranthus spps, papaya, carrots and other green vegetables in S. siamea seed rich diets will
alleviate the deficiency problems associated with this vitamin (Chatterjea and Shinde, 2007; Vasudevan and
Sreekumari, 2007; Banerjee, 2004).
Mineral Composition:
Table 3 shows the mineral composition of S. siamea. The calcium content was 800 mg/100g compared
to 185-219 mg/100g and 100-600 mg/100g reported for Desi chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cultivars and
Canavalia ensiformis (Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007; Sridhar and Seena, 2006). This was high and comparable to
the 800 mg/100g of the National Research Council/National Academy of Science (National, 1989) dietary
reference pattern. Calcium, according to (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007) is needed in animals for activation
of enzymes, mediation of muscle excitation and contraction, bone and teeth formation, blood coagulation,
transmission of impulses and reduction of allergic exudates.
The potassium content was 800 mg/100g. This was appreciable, but lower than 1029-1786 mg/100g and
2000 mg/100g reported for Cassia hirsuta (Vadivel and Janardhanan, 2000) and the National Research
Council/National Academy of Science (National, 1989) adult dietary allowance, respectively. However, the
value was also within the range (Vadivel et al., 2001; Sridhar and Seena, 2006) and above the values (Umoren
et al., 2005; Shahidi et al., 1999; Mubarak, 2005) reported for some raw legume seeds.
The phosphorus content of S. siamea seeds was 730 mg/100g. Phosphorus plays more known functions
in the animal body than other mineral elements (McDonald et al., 1995). It associates with Ca in bone and
teeth formation, involved in energy metabolism and low dietary intakes are associated with infertility, poor
growth and live weight gain in livestock (McDonald et al., 1995). Compared to values reported for Canavalia
spp,Cassia floribunda, Desi chickpeas, mung beans, beach pea and Milletia obanensis, this phosphorus value
was high and within the range of the National Research Council/National Academy of Science (National, 1989)
reference standard values for infants and adults (Sridhar and Seena, 2006; Vadivel et al., 2001; Umoren et al.,
2005; Mubarak, 2005; Shahidi et al., 1999; Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007).
Sodium is present in the soft tissues and body fluids. It is concerned with acid base equilibrium. A chief
cation of blood plasma, it plays a role in nerve impulse transmission and absorption of sugars and amino acids
from the gut. A deficiency of sodium causes body dehydration, poor growth and reduced utilization of digested
proteins (McDonald et al., 1995). Foods of vegetable origin are poor in Na. In this case, the Na content was
550 mg/100g. This was high, compared to the National Research Council/National Academy of Science
(National, 1989) reference figure and values reported for most legumes (Sridhar and Seena, 2006; Vadivel et
al., 2001; Mubarak, 2005; Shahidi et al., 1999; Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007).
The magnesium concentration in raw S. siamea seeds was 460 mg/100g. This was above all the values
of reviewed literature (Chinma et al., 2008; Elleuch et al., 2007; Umoren et al., 2005; National, 1989). This
agrees with (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007), that reported that beans and other vegetable foods like cereals
are rich in Mg. Magnesium is necessary for efficient metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids, involved in
cellular respiration and general cellular biochemistry and function (McDonald et al., 1995).
The iron content in S. siamea was high (206.80 mg/100g). This was greater than the infant and adult
dietary allowance reference figures of (National, 1989) and 2.88-45.2, 8.8, 9.7, and 2.4-4.1 mg/100g reported
for raw Canavalia spp, beach pea, mung beans and Desi chick pea seeds, respectively (Sridhar and Seena,
2006; Umoren et al., 2005; Shahidi et al., 1999; Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007). Since the requirement for Fe is most
critical in young suckling animals because milk is a poor source of Fe, the deficiency, which causes iron
deficiency anemia (Vasudevan and Sreekumari, 2007), could be prevented by feeding nursing animals with
diets rich in S. siamea seed meal.
In S. siamea raw seeds, the zinc concentration (26.49 mg/100g), compared with 5-15 mg/100g (National,
1989) reference standard as well as 8.87 mg/100g and 1.7-2.0 mg/100g reported for raw sesame seeds and C.
floribunda was high (Elleuch et al., 2007; Vadivel et al., 2001). This high level agrees with (Chatterjea and
Shinde, 2007) that legumes, pulses, oil seeds and un-milled cereals are good sources of Zn. This implies that
feeding animals with high level of S. siamea seeds could improve electrolyte balance; hence production, storage
and secretion of hormones; improve immune system and prevent parakeratosis, a skin ailment (McDonald et
al., 1995).
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Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 4(8): 2222-2231, 2010
Copper recorded a concentration of 8.35 mg/100g compared with 0.9, 5.5-6.13, 2.15 and 0.2-0.36 mg/100g
reported for beach pea, some varieties of Nigerian cowpea, sesame seeds and some varieties of Canavalia spp
raw seeds, respectively (Sridhar and Seena, 2006; Chinma et al., 2008; Shahidi et al., 1999; Elleuch et al.,
2007). The value was also higher than the (National, 1989) dietary allowance for infants and adults (0.6-0.7
and 1.5-3 mg/100g, respectively). This high copper value of S. siamea seeds agrees with (Chatterjea and
Shinde, 2007) that legumes, cereals and nuts aside animal sources are rich in Cu. Copper in livestock diets
is needed for its role in enzyme (e.g cytochrome oxidase) action, Fe metabolism for haemoglobin synthesis
and formation and maintenance of bones and myelin sheath of nerve fibres (Chatterjea and Shinde, 2007).
The concentrations of molybdenum, cobalt, chromium, selenium, sulphur and fluorine were 0.02 mg/100g,
0.14 mg/100g, 0.17 mg/100g, 0.01 mg/100g and 0.83 mg/100g respectively, while iodine was not detected. The
concentration of all these other minerals was low, but so is their requirement in animals which is at the micro
level (except S). Most of these minerals are minutely required by the animal in feed and except in rare cases,
can be satisfied under normal natural conditions and foods (McDonald et al., 1995; Vasudevan and Sreekumari,
2007; Banerjee, 2004). On the whole, the most abundant minerals were Ca and K, while selenium and sulphur
were the least abundant. Flourine was the most abundant of the micro minerals.
Amino Acids:
Table 4 presents the amino acid composition of raw S. siamea seeds. Seventeen (17) amino acids were
analysed for detected. Their values were, 4.10, 3.60, 4.01, 8.35, 3.55, 2.50, 1.14, 1.05, 2.74, 2.52, 3.91, 7.80,
2.75, 8.90, 3.20, 3.60 and 4.25 g/100g protein for phenylalanine (Phe), lysine (Lys), valine (Val), leucine (Leu),
isoleucine (Ile), threonine (Thr), methionine (Met), arginine (Arg), aspartic acid (Asp), serine (Ser), glutamic
acid (Glu), proline (Pro), glycine (Gly) and alanine, respectively.
The Phe content was low. It was lower than the values of the (Food and Agriculture, 1975) reference
protein pattern (6.0g/100g), raw karkade seeds (Yagoub et al., 2008), mung beans (Mubarak, 2005) and Milletia
obanensis (Umoren et al., 2005), but comparable to 4.20 and 4.70 g/100g reported for some legumes (Matinez-
Herrera et al., 2006; Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005). Though within the range of the pulse family, they may
be need for its supplementation is S. siamea rich diets for livestock because of its essential status.
The lysine level was lower than the values reported for beach pea, karkade seeds and the (Food and
Agriculture, 1990) reference protein pattern (Khattab et al., 2009; Shahidi et al., 1999; Yagoub et al., 2008).
In feeding a diet rich in S.siamea, there would be a need to supplement with a lysine rich source. The valine
content, compared to (Food and Agriculture, 1975) reference value was high and comparable to 4.59 g/100g
protein in soyabean (Vasconcelos et al., 1997).
Valine, an essential amino acid, is adequate in this case. The leucine value was higher than value reported
for raw mucuna seeds, soyabeans and the (Food and Agriculture, 1975) reference standard (Siddhuraju and
Becker, 2005; Vasconcelos et al., 1997). This indicates that though essential in livestock diets, in this case,
leucine supplementation may not unnecessary.
The isoleucine content of S. siamea was higher than the (Food and Agriculture, 1975) reference standard
(2.80 g/100g) but slightly below 4.16 g/100g and 4.62 g/16g nitrogen reported for raw mucuna seeds and
soyabean (Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005; Vasconcelos et al., 1997). Though an essential amino acid,
supplementation with Ile in a S. siamea seed rich diet is not necessary.
Threonine recorded a low value compared to (Vasconcelos et al., 1997) reference protein, raw mucuna
bean seeds, soyabean, raw beach pea and karkade seeds (Yagoud et al., 2008; Shahidi et al., 1999; Siddhuraju
and Becker, 2005; Vasconcelos et al., 1997). In an S.siamea rich diet for non-ruminant animals, there is need
for supplementation because of its essential nature.
The methionine value of S. siamea was comparable to that of mucuna beans, soyabean, some raw Egyptian
and Canadian cowpea, kidney beans and peas, and karkade seed. However, it was lower than 3.5 g/100g (Food
and Agriculture, 1975) reference protein (Khattab et al., 2009; Yagoub et al., 2008; Vascondelos et al., 1997).
To meet up its requirement, there is need for its supplementation in man and monogastric diets.
The cystine content was lower than the (Food and Agriculture, 1990) reference figure (2.5 g/100g) but
comparable to and within the range of most legume seeds (Mubarak, 2005; Yagoub et al., 2008; Vascondelos
et al., 1997).
The tyrosine content was lower than values reported for raw mucuna seeds, mung beans, soyabean, beach
pea and wild Lathyrus aphaca seeds (Dubey et al., 2008; Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005; Mubarak, 2005;
Shahidi et al., 1999; Vascondelos et al., 1997). It was however, higher than values recorded for karkade and
Milletia obanensis (Umoren et al., 2005; Yagoub et al., 2008). On the whole, tyrosine was within the range
of most legumes of the tropics.
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The histidine concentration of S. siamea seeds was high. It was higher than, but comparable to the values
reported for beach pea, mung beans, soyabean and (Food and Agricultural, 1991) reference protein pattern
(Mubarak, 2005; Shahidi et al., 1999; Vasconcelos et al., 1997; Food and Agricultural, 1970). Histidine is a
growth promoting factor, though a semi-essential amino acid, it is essential in growing, pregnant and lactating
animals and man (Chatterjea and Shinde, 2007).
The arginine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine and alanine contents were lower than
values reported for some legume seeds and (Food and Agricultural, 1991) reference values but higher than
others. On the whole they fell within the range of most legumes of the tropics (Sridhar and Seena, 2006;
Dubey, 2008; Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005; Umoren et al., 2005; Mubarak, 2005; Shahidi et al., 1999;
Vasconcelos et al., 1997). The most abundant amino acids were glutamic, leucine and aspartic acids in that
order of magnitude, while the least were cystine and methionine. This agrees with literature (Mcbarak, 2005;
Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007; Yagoub et al., 2008). Among all the essential amino acids, only valine, leucine and
isoleucine were high compared to the reference protein, while others needed to be included in a S. siamea seed
rich diet for livestock. Leucine was the highest occurring essential amino acid (EAA), while cystine was the
most limiting. Histidine was the only non essential amino acid though (semi-essential) that was abundant in
a level higher than the reference standard. The total essential amino acids and their percentage of the total was
31.04 and 45.67%, respectively compared to 36.93 and 54.33% for non essential acids respectively. This agrees
with (Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007) and (Mcbarak, 2005).
Anti-nutrient Composition:
The antinutrient composition of S. siamea seeds is presented in Table 5. The results indicate that alkaloid,
saponin, tannin, oxalate, phytate, hydrocyanic acid and phytohaemaglutinin were 200.24, 218.45, 291.26, 45.51,
200.24 and 0.83 mg/100g as well as 1344 HU/g, respectively.
Table 1: Proximate composition of raw Senna siamea seeds
Parameter Concentration (%DM)*
Dry matter 91.02
Crude Protein 25.09
Ether Extract 1.82
Crude Fibre 13.65
Nitrogen Free Extract 47.73
Ash 2.73
Calorific value (Kcal/100g) 295.37
* Values are means of three replicates
Table 2: Vitamin composition of raw Senna siamea seeds
Vitamin Composition (mg/100g)*
Riboflavin 0.13
Thiamine 0.72
Niacin 2.08
Ascorbic acid 8.80
Tocopherol 3.60
Vitamin A (iu/100g) 140.90
*Values are means of three replicates
Table 4: Mineral composition of raw Senna siamea seeds
Mineral Element Concentration (mg/100g)*
Calcium 800
Potassium 800
Phosphorus 730
Sodium 550
Magnesium 460
Iron 206.80
Zinc 26.49
Copper 8.38
Molybdenum 0.02
Cobalt 0.14
Chromium 0.17
Selenium 0.01
Sulphur 0.01
Fluorine 0.83
Iodine ND
*** Values are means of three replicates **Not detected
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Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 4(8): 2222-2231, 2010
Table 4: Amino acids composition of raw Senna siamea seeds
Amino Acid Concentration (g/100 Protein)*
Phenylalanine 4.10
Lysine 3.60
Valine 4.01
Leucine 8.35
Isoleucine 3.55
Threonine 2.50
Methionine 1.14
Cystine 1.05
Tyrosine 2.74
Total Essential Amino Acids 31.04
Total Essential Amino Acids (%) 45.67
Histidine 2.52
Arginine 3.91
Aspartic acid 7.80
Serine 2.75
Glutamic acid 8.90
Proline 3.20
Glycine 3.60
Alanine 4.25
Total Non-Essential Amino Acids 36.93
Total Non-Essential Amino Acids (%) 54.33
* Values are means of three replicates
Table 5: Antinutrient composition of raw Senna siamea seeds
Phytochemical Concentration (mg/100g)*
Alkaloid 200.24
Saponin 218.45
Tannin 291.26
Oxalate 45.51
Phytate 200.24
Hydrocyanic acid (mg/Kg DM) 0.83
Phytohaemaglutinin (Hu/g) 1344
* Values are means of three replicates
The alkaloid level in raw seeds was low compared to 20 g/kg (i.e. 2000mg/100g) of lupin seed meal.
However, this concentration was higher than 0.6 g/kg (i.e. 60 mg/100g) recommended for safe feed (McDonald
et al., 1995.
The saponin content, compared to 12.1 g/100g (ie 1,210 mg/100g), 571 mg/100g, 813-1005 mg/100g and
853 mg/100g reported for the raw seeds of M. utilis, C. ensiformis, C.gladiata, C.mantima and C. cathartica
(Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005; Sridhar and Seena, 2006) was low, but it was higher than 9.74 mg/100g
recorded for M. obanensis (Umoren et al., 2005). However, it fell within the range of legume seeds. The tannin
content of S. siamea was lower than 740, 300, 900 and 5800 mg/100g reported for Desi chickpea (Cicer
arietinum), M. utilis, C. ensiformis and C. cathartica (Sridhar and Seena, 2006; Siddhuraju and Becker, 2005
;Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007), but it is higher than 230, 16.96 and 0.44 mg/100g reported for C. gladiata, Parkia
filicoidea and M. obanensis (Sridhar and Seena, 2006; Umoren et al., 2005; Bawa et al., 2007).
The oxalate value of raw S. siamea seeds compared with 1.95 g/kg (i.e. 195 mg/100g) for M. utilis
(Tuleun and Patrick, 2007) was low. However, it was higher than 37.5 mg/100g reported for M. obanensis [31].
At low pH level, oxalates inhibit Ca absorption from the gut of animals (McDonald et al., 1995).
The phytate concentration in the raw seeds of S. siamea compared to values for M. utilis, P. folicoidea,
Lablab bean, Desi chickpea and M. obanensis (Umoren et al., 2005; Zia-Ul-Haq et al., 2007; Bawa et al.,
2007; Tuleun and Patrick, 2007; Abeke et al., 2008) was high. It was however lower than values reported for
mung beans, roselle seed, various species of Canavalia, Dolichos lablab beans and raw mucuna bean (Sridhar
and Seena, 2006; Siddduraju and Beeker, 2005; Mubarak, 2005; Yagoub et al., 2008; Osman, 200).
The hydrocyanic acid composition of S. siamea seeds was low compared to 5-109.3 mg/100g, 2.60, 1.79-
3.47 and 33.46 mg/kg DM (i.e. 3.35mg/100g) reported for four species of Canavalia species, M. obanensis,
Lablab purpureus and M. utilis respectively (Sridhar and Seena, 2006; Umoren et al., 2005; Tuleun and
Patrick, 2007; Abeke et al., 2008). It was however, higher than 0.034 mg/100g recorded for P. filicoidea
(Bawa et al., 2007).
Phytohaemaglutinin content of S. siamea seeds was low compared to 2670 HU/g for raw mung bean seeds
and 163 HU/mg (i.e. 163000 HU/g) reported for C. ensiformis (Mubarak, 2005; Sridhar and Seena, 2006). All
the detected phytochemicals were within the range reported for legume seeds.
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Conclusion:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritive value of S. siamea seeds as a possible plant
protein feeding stuff for livestock. The study showed that S. siamea seeds were abundant in CP, CF, niacin,
Ca, P, N, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, valine, leucine, isoleucine and histidine. However, the presence of some
antinutrients like phytate, calls for processing of these seeds in order to render these nutrients useful to farm
animals.
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