Some characteristics of the roots of the winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC]

✍ Scribed by Nigel H. Poulter

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1982
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 457 KB
• Volume: 33
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-5142
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.2740330202

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Three accessions of winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC] tuberous roots from Thailand were examined for their crude protein (N × 6.25), non‐protein nitrogen and starch contents. The roots were further analysed for their trypsin inhibitor and urease activities and for the presence of tannins and cyanogenic compounds. Crude protein was found to be high in comparison with other root crops (5.7–6.7% fresh weight) and this contained a high proportion of non‐protein nitrogen (7.4–15.0%). Amino acid content of the crude protein, when compared with mature winged bean seeds, revealed a deficiency in the sulphur‐containing amino acids but an exceptionally high aspartic acid content. Starch was the major carbohydrate present in the flesh of the roots (21.7–32.1% fresh weight). Root samples were found to contain high levels of trypsin inhibitory activity (13.5–30.1 TIU mg^−1^ fresh weight). No urease activity or cyanide could be detected in any of the root accessions studied.