A Comparative Phytochemical and Nutritional Study on Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp (Fabaceae)

A comparative study on Cajanus cajan and Vigna unguiculata was evaluated and compared to determine their Phytochemical and Nutritional characteristics as medicine and food. A standard gravimetric and spectrophotometric method was employed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for data analysis. Results revealed that seeds extract of Cajanus cajan and Vigna unguiculata all had the investigated Phytochemicals (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, sterols and phenol) in varied compositions. The seed extract of Cajanus cajan contained statistically higher percentages of the investigated Phytochemicals (0.34±0.15, 0.46±0.15, 0.22±0.10, 0.44±0.11 for Alkoloid, Flavonoid, Sterol, Phenol respectively) than the seed extract of Vigna unguiculata except for saponin. The proximate study revealed that the seeds extract of Cajanus cajan and Vigna unguiculata contained all the investigated nutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fibre, moisture and ash) in varied compositions. The seed extract of Cajanus cajan contained statistically higher percentage of protein, fibre and ash (33.04±0.01, 9.24±0.10, 4.20±0.11 respectively) while the seed extract of Vigna unguiculata contained higher percentage of carbohydrate and moisture (54.66±0.01 and 9.57±0.10 respectively). The presence of these investigated biochemicals justifies the species uses in the treatment of diseases. The seed of Cajanus cajan can be regarded as more nutritious than that of Vigna unguiculata. Malnourished and diabetic patients could be advised to eat more of Cajanus cajan seed in relatively high amount than Vigna unguiculata seed. The biochemical compounds and the nutrients could be extracted from these species for the development of drugs and foods supplements.