This study investigated the chemical composition and effects of four locally consumed bean species on liver and kidney function in Wistar albino rats. The bean species evaluated were Cajanus cajan, Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis, Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘Red kidney’, and Phaseolus vulgaris ‘Black turtle’. Proximate analysis showed that P. vulgaris ‘Red kidney’ (18.54±0.01%) and ‘Black turtle’ (18.36±0.01%) had the highest protein content, with no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of beneficial compounds alongside anti-nutritional factors. Mineral content was highest in V. unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (4.80±4.43 mg/100g), followed by C. cajan (3.24±2.64 mg/100g). A total of 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). One group served as the control, while the remaining groups were fed diets containing 100g of the respective bean species alongside 50g of standard rat feed, administered based on body weight. Biochemical analysis of liver and kidney function markers showed no significant adverse effects in the test groups compared to the control. The findings suggest that these locally available beans are nutritionally rich and safe for consumption at the tested doses. However, the presence of certain anti-nutritional factors highlights the need for proper processing before consumption.
Ifeoma Grace Nkiru Ezeani (Thu,) studied this question.