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Odeku OA, Ogunniyi QA, Ogbole OO, Fettke J. Forgotten Gems: Exploring the Untapped Benefits of Underutilized Legumes in Agriculture, Nutrition, and Environmental Sustainability. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1208. [PMID: 38732424 PMCID: PMC11085438 DOI: 10.3390/plants13091208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
In an era dominated by conventional agricultural practices, underutilized legumes termed "Forgotten Gems" represent a reservoir of untapped benefits with the unique opportunity to diversify agricultural landscapes and enhance global food systems. Underutilized crops are resistant to abiotic environmental conditions such as drought and adapt better to harsh soil and climatic conditions. Underutilized legumes are high in protein and secondary metabolites, highlighting their role in providing critical nutrients and correcting nutritional inadequacies. Their ability to increase dietary variety and food security emerges as a critical component of their importance. Compared to mainstream crops, underutilized legumes have been shown to reduce the environmental impact of climate change. Their capacity for nitrogen fixation and positive impact on soil health make them sustainable contributors to biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. This paper identifies challenges and proposes strategic solutions, showcasing the transformative impact of underutilized legumes on agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. These "Forgotten Gems" should be recognized, integrated into mainstream agricultural practices, and celebrated for their potential to revolutionize global food production while promoting environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatoyin A. Odeku
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria;
| | - Queeneth A. Ogunniyi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria; (Q.A.O.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Omonike O. Ogbole
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Nigeria; (Q.A.O.); (O.O.O.)
| | - Joerg Fettke
- Biopolymer Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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Srichompoo P, Suriyapha C, Suntara C, Chankaew S, Rakvong T, Cherdthong A. Effect of Replacing Corn Meal with Winged Bean Tuber ( Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) Pellet on Gas Production, Ruminal Fermentation, and Degradability Using In Vitro Gas Technique. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:356. [PMID: 38337998 PMCID: PMC10854944 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of replacing corn meal in ruminant diets with winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) tubers (WBT) on ruminal fermentation, gas production parameters, and in vitro degradability. The study employed a completely random design (CRD) in its execution. The experimental design employed was a completely randomized design (CRD), featuring eleven levels of corn meal substitution with winged bean tubers pellet (WBTP) at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. The levels were grouped into four categories of replacement: control (0% in the diet), low levels (10%, 20%, and 30% in the diet), medium levels (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70% in the diet), and high levels (80%, 90%, and 100% in the diet). The experimental results indicated that substituting corn meal with WBTP at moderate and high levels in the diet could improve the performance of the fermentation process by increasing the gas production rate constant from the insoluble fraction (p < 0.01). The IVDMD exhibited a higher degree of in vitro degradation after 12 h (h), with the mean value being higher in the high group compared to the medium until the high group (p < 0.05). At the 4 h mark, the groups that substituted corn meal with WBTP exhibited a decrease in pH value (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. The substitution of corn meal with WBTP resulted in the lowest protozoal count after 8 h in the median group (p < 0.05). A significant difference in the effect of WBTP on total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration was observed at 8 h after incubation (p < 0.05). The medium and high levels of WBTP replacement resulted in the lowest TVFA concentration at 8 h (p < 0.05). The mean proportion of acetic acid (C2) linearly declined and was lowest when a high level of WBTP replaced cornmeal (p < 0.05). The concentration of propionic acid (C3) at 8 h after incubation and average values were linearly significantly different when various levels of WBTP were utilized. Replacing corn meal with WBTP at a high level showed the highest concentration of C3. Moreover, substituting medium and high concentrations of WBTP for corn meal resulted in a significant reduction in both the C2:C3 ratio at 8 h and the mean value (p < 0.05). In conclusion, WBTP exhibits a nutritional composition that is advantageous and may be an energetic substitute for corn meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pachara Srichompoo
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (P.S.); (C.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Chaichana Suriyapha
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (P.S.); (C.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Chanon Suntara
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (P.S.); (C.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Sompong Chankaew
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.C.); (T.R.)
| | - Teppratan Rakvong
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.C.); (T.R.)
| | - Anusorn Cherdthong
- Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center (TROFREC), Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (P.S.); (C.S.); (C.S.)
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Ogbole OO, Akin-Ajani OD, Ajala TO, Ogunniyi QA, Fettke J, Odeku OA. Nutritional and pharmacological potentials of orphan legumes: Subfamily faboideae. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15493. [PMID: 37151618 PMCID: PMC10161725 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Legumes are a major food crop in many developing nations. However, orphan or underutilized legumes are domesticated legumes that have valuable properties but are less significant than main legumes due to use and supply restrictions. Compared to other major legumes, they are better suited to harsh soil and climate conditions, and their great tolerance to abiotic environmental circumstances like drought can help to lessen the strains brought on by climate change. Despite this, their economic significance in international markets is relatively minimal. This article is aimed at carrying out a comprehensive review of the nutritional and pharmacological benefits of orphan legumes from eight genera in the sub-family Faboidea, namely Psophocarpus Neck. ex DC., Tylosema (Schweinf.) Torre Hillc., Vigna Savi., Vicia L., Baphia Afzel. ex G. Lodd., Mucuna Adans, Indigofera L. and Macrotyloma (Wight & Arn.) Verdc, and the phytoconstituents that have been isolated and characterized from these plants. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for articles that have previously reported the relevance of underutilized legumes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of threatened species was also conducted for the status of the species. References were scrutinized and citation searches were performed on the study. The review showed that many underutilized legumes have a lot of untapped potential in terms of their nutritional and pharmacological activities. The phytoconstituents from plants in the subfamily Faboideae could serve as lead compounds for drug discovery for the treatment of a variety of disorders, indicating the need to explore these plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olufunke D. Akin-Ajani
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Tolulope O. Ajala
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Joerg Fettke
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Golm, Germany
| | - Oluwatoyin A. Odeku
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Corresponding author.
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Jaafar MH, Ismail NH, Ismail R, Md Isa Z, Mohd Tamil A, Md Yasin M, Mat Nasir N, Ab Razak NH, Zainol Abidin N, Dehghan M, Yusof KH. New insights of minimum requirement on legumes (Fabaceae sp.) daily intake in Malaysia. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:6. [PMID: 36624521 PMCID: PMC9827701 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-022-00649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their low energy density and high nutrient content, legumes may be under-recognised as a beneficial food for the prevention and management of obesity and related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to analyse the moderation effect of legume intake on the relationship between BMI and the prevalence of CVD among the Malaysian adult population. METHODS This study addressed communities of urban and rural Malaysia, including adults aged between 35 and 70 years old at the baseline recruitment. A series of standardised questionnaires were used to assess legume intake, history of comorbidities and socio-demographic information. Resting blood pressure measurements and physical examinations were performed to collect blood pressure and anthropometric data. Bivariate analysis was completed to determine the association between legume intake, socio-demographic characteristics and CVD prevalence. Moderation analysis was used to quantify the moderation effect of minimum daily legume intake on the relationship between BMI and CVD prevalence. RESULTS This study found that those who consume less than 3 servings of legumes per day benefit from protective effects against CVD risk (POR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.37 - 0.85). Moderation analysis of a minimum of three servings/day for the relationship between BMI and CVD prevalence showed significant effects. The group that benefited the most from this effect was those with a BMI in the range of 26 to 34 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the recommendation for legume intake according to the relationship between BMI and the prevalence of CVD in Malaysian adults. This study recommends that those with a BMI of 26 to 34 kg/m2 should consume at least 3 servings of legumes per day to reduce the risk of CVD. Further prospective research is warranted to affirm these findings throughout the Malaysian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Hasni Jaafar
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Noor Hassim Ismail
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Rosnah Ismail
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Zaleha Md Isa
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Azmi Mohd Tamil
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Mazapuspavina Md Yasin
- grid.412259.90000 0001 2161 1343Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nafiza Mat Nasir
- grid.412259.90000 0001 2161 1343Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Hafiza Ab Razak
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Najihah Zainol Abidin
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia ,grid.444504.50000 0004 1772 3483Department of Diagnostic & Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management & Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Mahshid Dehghan
- grid.415102.30000 0004 0545 1978Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Khairul Hazdi Yusof
- grid.412113.40000 0004 1937 1557Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, UKM Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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Popoola JO, Ojuederie OB, Aworunse OS, Adelekan A, Oyelakin AS, Oyesola OL, Akinduti PA, Dahunsi SO, Adegboyega TT, Oranusi SU, Ayilara MS, Omonhinmin CA. Nutritional, functional, and bioactive properties of african underutilized legumes. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1105364. [PMID: 37123863 PMCID: PMC10141332 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1105364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Globally, legumes are vital constituents of diet and perform critical roles in maintaining well-being owing to the dense nutritional contents and functional properties of their seeds. While much emphasis has been placed on the major grain legumes over the years, the neglected and underutilized legumes (NULs) are gaining significant recognition as probable crops to alleviate malnutrition and give a boost to food security in Africa. Consumption of these underutilized legumes has been associated with several health-promoting benefits and can be utilized as functional foods due to their rich dietary fibers, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), proteins/essential amino acids, micro-nutrients, and bioactive compounds. Despite the plethora of nutritional benefits, the underutilized legumes have not received much research attention compared to common mainstream grain legumes, thus hindering their adoption and utilization. Consequently, research efforts geared toward improvement, utilization, and incorporation into mainstream agriculture in Africa are more convincing than ever. This work reviews some selected NULs of Africa (Adzuki beans (Vigna angularis), African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea), Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), Kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus), Marama bean (Tylosema esculentum), Mung bean, (Vigna radiata), Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata), and Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)), and their nutritional, and functional properties. Furthermore, we highlight the prospects and current challenges associated with the utilization of the NULs and discusses the strategies to facilitate their exploitation as not only sources of vital nutrients, but also their integration for the development of cheap and accessible functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Olagbenro Popoola
- Pure and Applied Biology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: Jacob Olagbenro Popoola, ; Omena B. Ojuederie,
| | - Omena B. Ojuederie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun, Nigeria
- Food Security and Safety Focus, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Jacob Olagbenro Popoola, ; Omena B. Ojuederie,
| | | | - Aminat Adelekan
- Department of Chemical and Food Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun S. Oyelakin
- Department of Pure and Applied Botany, College of Biosciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Luke Oyesola
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Paul A. Akinduti
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Olatunde Dahunsi
- Microbiology Programme, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun, Nigeria
- The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Taofeek T. Adegboyega
- Food Security and Safety Focus, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Biology Unit, Faculty of Science, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Solomon U. Oranusi
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Modupe S. Ayilara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kings University, Ode-Omu, Osun, Nigeria
- Food Security and Safety Focus, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Conrad A. Omonhinmin
- Department of Biological Sciences/Biotechnology Cluster, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
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Jha UC, Nayyar H, Parida SK, Bakır M, von Wettberg EJB, Siddique KHM. Progress of Genomics-Driven Approaches for Sustaining Underutilized Legume Crops in the Post-Genomic Era. Front Genet 2022; 13:831656. [PMID: 35464848 PMCID: PMC9021634 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Legume crops, belonging to the Fabaceae family, are of immense importance for sustaining global food security. Many legumes are profitable crops for smallholder farmers due to their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and their intrinsic ability to thrive on marginal land with minimum inputs and low cultivation costs. Recent progress in genomics shows promise for future genetic gains in major grain legumes. Still it remains limited in minor legumes/underutilized legumes, including adzuki bean, cluster bean, horse gram, lathyrus, red clover, urd bean, and winged bean. In the last decade, unprecedented progress in completing genome assemblies of various legume crops and resequencing efforts of large germplasm collections has helped to identify the underlying gene(s) for various traits of breeding importance for enhancing genetic gain and contributing to developing climate-resilient cultivars. This review discusses the progress of genomic resource development, including genome-wide molecular markers, key breakthroughs in genome sequencing, genetic linkage maps, and trait mapping for facilitating yield improvement in underutilized legumes. We focus on 1) the progress in genomic-assisted breeding, 2) the role of whole-genome resequencing, pangenomes for underpinning the novel genomic variants underlying trait gene(s), 3) how adaptive traits of wild underutilized legumes could be harnessed to develop climate-resilient cultivars, 4) the progress and status of functional genomics resources, deciphering the underlying trait candidate genes with putative function in underutilized legumes 5) and prospects of novel breeding technologies, such as speed breeding, genomic selection, and genome editing. We conclude the review by discussing the scope for genomic resources developed in underutilized legumes to enhance their production and play a critical role in achieving the "zero hunger" sustainable development goal by 2030 set by the United Nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday Chand Jha
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, India
| | | | - Swarup K Parida
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, India
| | - Melike Bakır
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Eric J. B. von Wettberg
- Plant and Soil Science and Gund Institute for the Environment, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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