Genotypic Variations in Protein, Dietary Fibre, Saponins and Lectins in Rajmash beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Seed of five genotypes of rajmash beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) namely, PDR 14, IPR 96-4, IPR 98-5, EC 406072 and HUR 15 were studied for health promoting parameters. The soluble protein was present in the range of 20.46 to 21.76%. The cellulose and hemicellulose were present in the range of 4.72 to 5.56% and 0.87 to 1.71% respectively in different genotypes of rajmash. Lignin was present in the range of 1.36 to 3.79%. The total insoluble fibre in rajmash seed was in the range of 7.12 to 9.87%. Pectin, the soluble fibre in seed was present in the range of 2.13 to 4.12%. Lectin, a toxic component of seed was found in the range of 2453 to 3032 HU/g. Saponin, a cholesterol lowering and cancer preventive compound was present in adequate quantity in the seed of rajmash. The two component of saponin viz., sapogenol A and sapogenol B were present in the range of 206.2 to 299.0 and 348.9 to 362.3 mg/100g seed of rajmash beans.