NUTRITIONAL AND ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS OF PURPLE ORCHID (Piliostigma reticulatum) (DC.) SEED AS A POTENTIAL PLANT PROTEIN

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the nutritional profile of purple orchid (Piliostigma reticulatum) seeds as a potential alternative plant protein source for poultry feed. Ground seed samples were analyzed for proximate composition, mineral content, amino acid profile, and anti-nutritional factors using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis indicated that Piliostigma reticulatum seeds contain considerable amounts of crude protein (28.34), ash (12.51), and nitrogen-free extract (19.34%). The amino acid analysis revealed the presence of all 20 essential and non-essential amino acids, with glutamic acid (11.08), aspartic acid (8.90), and phenylalanine (4.09%) being the most abundant. The seeds were also rich in both macro and micro minerals, particularly potassium (8.91%), phosphorus (0.86%), manganese (147.80), zinc (25.63), iron (15.06), and iodine (5.60 mg/kg). Phytochemical screening identified several anti-nutritional compounds, including phenols (71.32), alkaloids (6.00), lectins (3.69), and trypsin inhibitors (1.15 mg/100g). The findings suggest that, with appropriate detoxification, Piliostigma reticulatum seed could serve as an affordable and effective plant protein supplement in poultry nutrition.