ABSTRACT

The anti nutrient composition and amino acid profiles of selected accessions of African Yam Bean (AYB) grown in Nigeria supplied by IITA were investigated to compare the differences in the properties determined. The accessions were TSS 111, TSS 60, TSS 309, TSS 51 and TSS 46.All the accessions contained varying levels of Anti-nutrient including saponin (0.32 mg/100g - 0.51mg/l00g) , phytate ( 0.27-mg/l00g - 0.33mg/100g), Tannin (0.20mg/100g-0.33mg/100g). TSS 309 had the highest saponin and phytate content while TSS 60 had the highest Tannin content. Results from the amino acid composition shows the selected accessions of African yam bean (A YB) contained sufficient amount of essential and non essential amino acids. These included leucine, lysine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, trytophan, valine, methionine, proline, arginine, tyrosine, histidine, cystine, alanine, glutamic acid, glycine, threonine, serine, aspartic acid. Low values of Sulphur containing amino acids (methionine + cystine) and Valine were recorded in All the selected accessions of African yam bean (A YB) while other amino acids had high values with Glutamic acid having highest value of all the amino acids, The glutamic acid content of the accessions were 11.28, 12.57, 12.66, 11.73 and 12.34 for TSS I11, TSS 60, TSS 309, TSS 51 and TSS 46 respectively. The six amino acids with the lowest values are methionine (0.83 g/1 00g), tryptophan ( 1.05 g/l00g), isoleucine (3.18 g/l00g), valine {3.39 g/l00g), arginine (3.27 g/l00g), and histidine (2.52 g/1 00g). Conclusively, TSS 309 has the highest saponin content. while TSS 60 shows lower phytate and tannin levels, enhancing nutrient bioavailability.The result of the Amino acids shows that all the accessions investigated were in agreement with F AO/WHO essential amino acid recommendations, particularly for leucine, lysine, and isoleucine, indicating their high protein potential. These findings highlight African yam bean's value as a nutritious legume, warranting further research for improved food security. Baaed on the findings, it is concluded that the selected accessions of African yam bean (A YB) c be used in the formulation of infant diets for reducing Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and also consumed to meet up the protein demand in a protein malnourished population.