The raw protein content of ricebean is lower than that of most pulses, although there is considerable variation. Gopinathan "et al." (1987) note that the protein content of related wild species (e.g. "Vigna minima") tends to be higher than of cultivated lines, so there may be potential to breed for improved protein content. However, the amino acid composition is reported by several authors to be well balanced for human consumption (e.g. Chandel et al., 1978; Mohan & Janardhan, 1994; de Carvalho & Vieira, 1996).