Comparative Study on Antifungal Activity and Proximate Composition of Abrus pulchellus Wall and Abrus precatorius Linn

The present investigation was carried to study antifungal activity and proximate composition of seeds of A. pulchellus Wall and A. precatorius. The powdered seed materials were extracted with water and used for antifungal study against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Mucor species by Poison food technique. A marked antifungal activity was observed as revealed by reduced colony diameter of test fungi on plates poisoned with the aqueous extracts. Proximate composition of powdered seed materials was carried out to determine the moisture, ash, fat, crude fibre, protein and carbohydrate content. The moisture content was low in A. precatorius as compared to A. pulchellus. It was found that Abrus seeds are quite rich in fibre content. The ash content of A. pulchellus was found to be slightly higher than A. precatorius. Both the seeds exhibited more or less similar carbohydrate content. Fat content in this study was found to be slightly higher when compared to other legumes. The crude protein content of A. pulchellus and A. precatorius are 24% and 25.2% respectively. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of aqueous extracts showed the presence of various phytoconstituents namely alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins etc. The aqueous extracts of A. pulchellus and A. precatorius could be employed in the control of opportunistic mycotic infections. The study showed that the seeds of both species tested may be used as the feeding material for human or nonruminant. Abrus seeds could be utilized as a cheap source of protein, energy and antioxidant supplement for both man and or livestock.