Phytochemical screening on four edible legumes (Vigna subterranean, Glycine max, Arachis hypogea, and Vigna uniguiculata) found in eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The results of the phytochemical screening carried out on the seeds of Vigna subterranea (Bambara groundnut),
Glycine max (Soya beans), Arachis hypogea (Groundnut) and Vigna uniguiculata (Black eyed peas) showed the
presence of useful phytonutrients. The results showed that V. subterranea contained the highest percentage of
alkaloids (0.41%) while A. hypogea showed the lowest yield of alkaloid (0.25%). V. uniguiculata had the highest
saponin content with (0.44%) while A. hypogea with the lowest (0.25%). The highest yield of flavonoids was found in V.
uniguiculata with 0.33% while the lowest yield was obtained in A. hypogea with 0.18%. The highest phenols yield were
obtained from V. subterranea with 0.36% while G. max showed the lowest with 0.26%. The percentage of tannins was
highest in V. uniguiculata but lowest in A. hypogea. The results of the phytochemical screening on the four species of
legumes were discussed in relations to their usefulness to mankind.