A proteomics-metabolomics approach and mineral content analysis reveal inherent differences in the quality of Bambara groundnuts from two geographic regions.

Abstract

Background: The Bambara groundnut is a leguminous plant with significant economic potential in Africa due to its high nutritional value. It grows well in tropical regions and is native to countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Cameroon. We present here previously unreported data on the global proteomes and metabolomes of Bambara groundnuts from two countries: Mali and Ghana.

Results: We found conspicuous differences in the global metabolomes and proteomes of the samples sourced from the two geographic regions. A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified in the metabolomics study, the composition of which was determined to be predominantly flavonoids and found in higher amounts in the samples from Mali. The proteomics study identified 39 differentially abundant proteins, which were found to be mainly involved in metabolic and cellular processes, functioned as cellular anatomical entities, and possessed catalytic and binding activities. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the proteome differences could be linked largely to distinct differences in various metabolic pathways and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. This study also reports disparate amounts of major and trace minerals in the Bambara groundnut from the two countries. The Mali-sourced samples had higher levels of minerals, and the general order of abundance was as follows: Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Cr.

Conclusion: This study provides invaluable information in support of the nutritional and economic value of the Bambara groundnut and underscores the impact of geographic location of cultivation and probable differences in farming methods on the quality of food crops. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.