The present study envisages assessing the nutraceutical and bioactive potential of nongerminated and germinated seeds of the wild forage legume Centrosema virginianum (L.) Benth. occurring in southwest India. Both types of seeds possess high amounts of carbohydrates and lipids, while proteins, fiber and calorific value are moderate. Qualitative assessment revealed that non-germinated seeds possess more phytochemicals than germinated seeds. Non-germinated seeds possess significantly higher total phenolics and tannins in chloroform extract than methanol extract, whereas this was reversed in flavonoids and vitamin C. In germinated seeds, total phenolics were significantly higher in chloroform than in methanol extract. GC-MS analysis revealed palmitic acid and methyl 9-octadecenoate as major compounds, while ascorbic acid and dotriacontyl isopropyl ether were found in germinated seeds. Among the pigments in acetone extracts of non-germinated seeds, chlorophyll was significantly higher in germinated seeds than non-germinated seeds, while it was reversed in the carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene. Total antioxidant activity was significantly higher in chloroform extract than methanol extract in non-germinated seeds, while it was reversed in reducing power, ferrous ion chelating capacity and DPPH radical-scavenging activity. In germinated seeds, total antioxidant activity was significantly higher in chloroform than methanol extract, while it was opposite in ferrous ion-chelating capacity. This study strengthened the forage properties of the little-known pasture legume, C. virginianum. As this legume is endangered, future studies should focus on its conservation and usefulness in livestock nutrition.