Quality parameters of Brassica spp. grown in northwest Spain

The edible portions of different Brassica spp. grown in several areas of Northwest Spain (Galicia) were studied during 2007 and 2008. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the values of some physicochemical parameters (moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, protein, ash, vitamin C, total phenolics, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p‐coumaric acid, quercitin and chlorophyll) in different edible portions of turnip greens and turnip tops (Brassica rapa var. rapa), Galega kales (B. oleracea L. var. acephala), white cabbages (B. oleracea L. convar. capitata var. alba) and Savoy cabbage (B. oleracea L. convar. capitata var. sabauda). Different values were obtained for the parameters depending on the variety of plant. In general, the nutrient contents of the turnips and the Galega kales were higher than those of the cabbages. Variations within different edible portions were also observed. Moreover, the mean values of the parameters measured in leaves were higher than those measured in stems, except for moisture content. High concentrations of soluble solids, protein, vitamin C and phenolics were found in the different varieties of Brassica studied.     

Iron content and availability studies in some Sri Lankan rice varieties

Thirty‐eight rice varieties, grown in Low Country Wet Zone, during Yala (2006) and Maha (2006/2007) seasons were screened for stable high iron rice varieties and were statistically analysed. Iron contents ranged 1.89–3.73 mg 100 g^?1 and varied significantly (P < 0.05) with variety and season. Selected fifteen high iron rice varieties, at degree of polishing 8–10% were analysed for iron, zinc and phytate. High iron contents in endosperm were observed in Suduru Samba (0.47 mg 100 g^?1), Basmati 370 (0.37 mg 100 g^?1), Kalu Heenati (0.42 mg 100 g^?1), Rathu Heenati (0.44 mg 100 g^?1) and Sudu Heenati (0.37 mg 100 g^?1). Phytate contents of polished rice varieties ranged from 200–300 mg 100 g^?1. Large reduction in iron content (84.5–93.6%) was observed in polished rice while the reduction in phytate content (18.9–40.8%) was low. Percentage dialyzability of iron in selected endosperm high iron rice varieties ranged from 1.73 to 8.71. Dialysability of iron in cooked polished rice did not show a relation to the phytate content in raw rice.     

Proximate,mineral, amino acid,fatty acid,vitamin E,phytate phosphate and fibre composition of Mimusops zeyheri (Red Milkwood) seed

Mimusops zeyheri, an indigenous tree widely distributed in sub‐Saharan Africa, provides edible fruit. Research on the tree has focused on fruit pulp composition and uses. This study evaluated the nutritional potential of M. zeyheri seed by determining the proximate, fibre and phytate‐phosphate content, the amino acid and fatty acid profiles and vitamin E content of the seed. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and ash constituted 91.1%, 88.3%, 9.3%, 25.6% and 2.8% of the seed mass respectively. Glutamic acid (1.29 g per 100 g) was the most abundant amino acid. Lysine and phenylalanine were low. Calcium (587.4 mg per 100 g) was the most concentrated macro‐mineral assayed. Gross energy value was 24.34 MJ kg^?1. Lipid yield was 21.3%. Oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid. Vitamin E concentration was about 2 μg g^?1. Phytate‐phosphate content was 0.03%. Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre constituted 33.2% and 15.3% respectively. M. zeyheri seed could be exploited as a dietary energy supplement and an oil source rich in oleic acid.     

Changes in nitrogen content and amino acid composition of navel oranges during ripening

Nitrogen content and composition of amino acids in juice and rind of navel oranges were studied. The compared varieties were ‘Navelina’ ‘Washington Navel’ and ‘Navelate’, early, mid-season and late types, respectively. Total N content in juice increased during the season with values from about 60 to near 100 mg 100 ml^?1 in Navelina and ‘Washington Navel’ and from 60 to about 80 mg 100 ml^?l in ‘Navelate’; amino N increased from 30 to 60 mg 100 ml^?lapproximately in the three varieties. The total N content in rind was quite similar in all cases, with values that decreased with time from 1 to around 0·6 g 100 g^?l dry weight (DW), 50–60% corresponding to the protein N. The main free amino acids in juice and rind at different maturity stages are tabulated. Proline represents at maturity around 50% of the total free amino acids in rind, with values near to 1·5 mmol 100 ml^?l in juice and over 5·0 mmol 100 g^?1 DW in rind. Total protein amino acids in rind decreased during maturation, reaching final values of about 20 mmol 100 g^?1 DW. Differences in composition among the three studied varieties are discussed.     

新疆芜菁不同品种营养成分分析与比较

为全面了解新疆芜菁的食用价值,选取了新疆芜菁主产区的13个芜菁品种,对其营养成分进行分析评价,为充分开发与利用新疆芜菁资源,提高新疆芜菁产品的附加值提供依据。本实验运用高效液相色谱法(High Performance Liquid Chromatography,HPLC)、原子吸收分光光度法(Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer,AAS)测定了13种新疆芜菁中所含氨基酸、蛋白质、钙、镁等矿质元素含量。结果表明:在参试品种中,绿昆芜菁的总氨基酸含量、蛋白质、总矿物质含量均最高,分别为12.32%、2.33%、57488 mg/kg。结论:绿昆芜菁具有高氨基酸、高矿质元素、高蛋白、低酸等优良品质,适宜作为优质栽培品种,其次为柯坪芜菁和亚华芜菁。不同品种新疆芜菁营养成分含量较高,蛋白质及矿物质元素含量丰富,营养价值高,具有良好的食用价值和开发前景。      

Kigelia africana seed: proximate,mineral, vitamin E,fibre, amino acid and fatty acid composition

Research reports on the ethnomedical and pharmacological potential of Kigelia africana extracts. In this study, the nutritional potential of K. africana seed and seed oil was evaluated by chemical analyses. Organic matter and ash constituted 915.23 ± 7.98 g kg^?1 DM and 49.05 ± 4.55 g kg^?1 DM of the seed mass, respectively. Oil constituted 492.2 g kg^?1 DM of the seed mass with oleic acid, linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid constituting 17.6%, 12.9% and 54.3%, respectively, of the seed oil. Vitamin E concentration was 0.94 ± 0.25 μg g^?1. Crude protein was 357.35 ± 3.39 g kg^?1 DM. Arginine (6.14 ± 0.31 g per 100 g) as the most abundant amino acid and hydroxyproline (0.11 ± 0.06 g per 100 g) the least. Phosphorus (1123.2 mg per 100 g) and calcium (56.1 mg per 100 g) were, respectively, the most and least abundant minerals. Gross energy was 29.6 ± 0.06 MJ kg^?1. Kigelia africana seeds could be exploited as nutrient‐dense dietary supplement rich in protein, oleic acid and essential fatty acids.     

Chemical composition,protein fractionation,essential amino acid potential and antimetabolic constituents of an unconventional legume,Gila bean (Entada phaseoloides Merrill) seed kernel

Physical characteristics of pods and seeds, proximate composition, different protein fractionation, SDS‐PAGE analysis of proteins, amino acid composition, starch content, fatty acid profiles and various antimetabolic substances of Gila bean (Entada phaseoloides Merrill) were studied. The pod length and the number of seeds per pod ranged from 55 to 90 cm and from 5 to 11 respectively. The kernel comprised 66.1% of the seed weight (18.41 ± 1.14 g). The seed kernels contained 256.7 g kg^?1 crude protein, 108.1 g kg^?1 lipid, 27.3 g kg^?1 ash and a high content of carbohydrate (585.7 g kg^?1). The levels of potassium, phosphorus, zinc and iron were similar to those in conventional pulses. Among the different protein fractions of seed kernels, albumins constituted the major storage proteins (69.7%). The kernel proteins were rich in essential amino acids, particularly sulphur‐containing amino acids, and their values appeared to be higher than the FAO/WHO (1990) reference protein for a 2–5‐year‐old growing child and soybean, and comparable to hen egg. Seed kernel lipids contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acids, which accounted for 83% of the total fatty acid recovered. The kernel exhibited high trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities (96.65 mg TI g^?1 and 30.02 CIU mg^?1 sample respectively) in addition to containing phenolics, phytic acid, lectins and oligosaccharides. Another major toxic constituent was identified as a group of triterpenoid saponins (3.21%), which had high haemolytic activity (HeU) against cattle erythrocytes and caused high mortality in fish. The in vitro digestibility of the kernel protein was low (67%). © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Amino acid composition of guineafowl's egg

Samples of eggs from two breeds (White-breasted and Pearl) of guinea hens which were housed either on deep litter or in layer cages were analysed for their content of amino acids. The protein content of whole eggs ranged from 482 to 494 mg g^?1, with a mean of 487 mg g^?1. Concentrations of the various amino acids in the egg ranged from 118 mg (tryptophan) to 752 mg (glutamic acid) per g N. The mean concentration of total sulphur amino acids was 395 mg per g N. Overall the amino acid composition of guineafowl egg was not affected by either breed or housing system.     

Proximate composition,mineral and amino acid content of mature Canavalia gladiata seeds

The chemical composition and the nutritional quality of protein and carbohydrates of mature seeds of Canavalia gladiata (L.) were investigated. The whole and cotyledon flour of mature seeds contained; crude protein 26.8 and 29.2%; fat 2.8 and 3.1%; fibre 33.2 and 10.2%; ash 3.9 and 4.3%; carbohydrate 33.3 and 53.2% on dry matter basis respectively. The carbohydrate fractions have starch contents of 30.7 and 39.6% and 27.7 and 34.6 mg g⁻¹ low molecular weight carbohydrates on dry matter basis. The energy content of whole seed and cotyledon flour was 11,082 and 14,923 kJ kg⁻¹. Sucrose represents the highest fraction of low molecular weight carbohydrates with fructose being the lowest. The mineral analysis showed K, Mg, Ca, P and S to be present in high quantities. The essential amino acid profile compared well with FAO/WHO recommended pattern except for sulphur containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Therefore the chemical composition of the raw mature seeds of Canavalia gladiata (kernel) indicates the bean to be a good supplement to cereal-based diets.     

Investigations on the trypsin inhibitor,hemagglutinin, phytic and tannic acid contents of cowpea Vigna unguiculata

Ten cultivated varieties of mature dry beans Vigna unguiculata were analysed for trypsin inhibitor (TI) and hemagglutinating activities, phytic acid, phytic acid-phosphorus and tannic acid. The respective concentrations were: 19·6–28·2 TUI mg^?1 protein,¹ 33·5–98·9 HU mg^?1 protein,² 280–331 mg 100 g^?1, 131–200 mg 100 g^?1 and 0·42–0·78 g 100 g^?1 dry weight. Phytic acid-phosphorus as a percentage of total phosphorus was highest in Farv-13 (49·9) and lowest in Samaru local (29·8). Considerable variability in hemagglutinating activity was evident among the different varieties as indicated by the high percentage co-efficient of variation. Some of these differences may be genetic and may provide an opportunity for the genetic development of cowpea strains with superior protein quality, low in hemagglutinin content.     

Chemical composition,amino acid and fatty acid contents,and mineral concentrations of European beaver (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Castor fiber</Emphasis> L.) meat

The present investigation was designed to determine the meat nutritional profile of European beaver (Castor fiber L.). The proximate composition, energy value, amino acids composition, chemical scores for indispensable amino acids, fatty acids composition and mineral concentrations were determined. In 100 g of meat the content for moisture ranged from 75.42 to 77.32 g, for protein from 20.21 to 22.33 g, for fat from 0.66 to 2.44 and for ash from 1.12 to 1.24 g. The Nutritional Quality Index for muscle protein was 9. The indispensable amino acids (IAA) at the highest content were lysine and leucine (1.85 and 1.65 g 100 g^?1). The average percentage of IAA was 45% and their chemical scores amounted to more than 100. The total percentages of trans-, saturated (SFA), mono, and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were 2.25, 32.25, 18.83 and 49.08%. The ratio of PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 PUFA were 1.56 and 5.58. The cholesterol content averaged 55.10 mg 100 g^?1. The muscle tissue of beavers contained favourable amount of minerals, particularly Fe and heme Fe (64.49 and 45.60 mg kg^?1), Zn and Cu (45.07 and 0.98 mg kg^?1), as well a low level of Na (461.9 mg kg^?1). Summing up, beavers are a valuable nutritional meat source with a desirable chemical composition and a low calorific value and can constitute a healthy alternative food as advantageous for human health and coherent with diet recommendations.     

芝麻叶营养成分分析

利用多种分析方法测定芝麻叶中的营养成分。用氨基酸评分(AAS)、化学评分(CS)和必需氨基酸指数(EAAI)评价氨基酸质量。结果显示,芝麻叶(DW)中水分、灰分、粗脂肪、总蛋白、总糖、还原糖、总黄酮、总多酚、Vc分别为3.06%、9.24%、7.54%、31.32%、252.61、18.62mg/g、122.80、44.75 mg/g、113.30 mg/g;5种脂肪酸中,亚麻酸的含量最高,其占总脂肪酸的45.20%;11种矿质元素中,钾的含量最高(24754.40μg/g),钙次之(24142.30μg/g),硒含量最低(0.20μg/g);芝麻叶含17种氨基酸,总量为21.44%,其中7种必需氨基酸占氨基酸总量的41.46%,9种药效氨基酸占氨基酸总量的63.81%。AAS和CS均显示其第一限制性氨基酸为含硫氨基酸(蛋氨酸和胱氨酸),第二限制性氨基酸为赖氨酸,EAA I为81.26。芝麻叶是一种营养价值较高的新资源食品,具有很好的开发利用价值。     

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) isoflavones: determination of concentrations by plant stage,flower colour,plant part and cultivar

BACKGROUND: Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), a widely used fodder, has recently received considerable interest as a valuable source of isoflavones for many health‐related applications. The aim of this study was to analyse the concentrations of four isoflavones, daidzein, genistein, formononetin and biochanin A, in extracts of leaves, stems, roots and different coloured flowers from red clover by high‐performance liquid chromatography and to determine the antifungal activities of the extracts. RESULTS: Among greenhouse‐grown samples the highest amounts of daidzein and genistein were found in petioles (0.11–0.28 and 0.30–0.54 mg g^?1 respectively), while leaves were rich in formononetin and biochanin A (5.57–9.05 and 10.94–14.59 mg g^?1 respectively). High formononetin concentrations were found in roots, but very little biochanin A. Among field‐grown samples the highest concentrations of daidzein and genistein were detected in stems collected in August (0.24 and 0.55 mg g^?1 respectively), while the highest amounts of formononetin and biochanin A were found in young leaves collected in June (7.47 and 9.69 mg g^?1 respectively). Most of the extracts inhibited the growth of Drechslera teres, while the root extract showed the strongest effect against Microdochium nivale. CONCLUSION: High levels of bioactive compounds found not only in inflorescences but also in roots, leaves and stems suggest that red clover may be an inexpensive and valuable resource for many applications. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and properties of a white protein fraction in high yield from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) leaves

Chlorophyll-free protein has been recovered at a yield in excess of 50 % from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) leaf juice after two successive pH treatments. This corresponds to about 60 kg of white protein per hectare. The main component of the final preparation is ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.39). Compared with the unfractionated protein from leaf extracts, the white protein preparation has higher contents of tyrosine, threonine, glutamic acid and proline and lower ones of isoleucine, lysine (although still high: 76mg g^?1) and glycine. The content of methionine is high (24mg g^?1) probably as a result of the addition of sulphite during protein extraction. The white protein preparation has a low level of ether extractives (17mg g^?1) and a moderate ash (52mg g^?1) content. The white protein is rapidly degraded by pepsin, trypsin and pancreatic juice.     

Seed composition of non-industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties from four regions in northern Morocco

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds of two varieties cultivated in four different regions of northern Morocco. The content of protein, insoluble fibre, ash, total phenols and flavonoids was found to be 19.25%–24.18%, 26.40%–37.40%, 3.72%–5.39%, 134.57–199.90 mg 100g⁻¹ and 39.40–69.54 mg 100g⁻¹ respectively. Oil contents ranged from 26.42 to 35.19 g 100 g⁻¹ of seeds in the four collection sites with variable oxidative stability at 100°C from 9.73 to 15.42 h. Total tocopherol content was between 376.46 and 796.06 mg kg⁻¹ of oil, with a dominance of γ-tocopherol. Fatty acids consisted mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (87.30-88.96%) with a predominance of linoleic acid (48.26%–55.39%). Triacylglycerols (TAGs) composition analysis revealed the presence of 18 TAGs with an equivalent carbon number of 38–48. The composition of TAGs was predominated by LLL (14.34%–22.62%), OLL (12.77%–18.78%) and LLLn (12.32%–18.59%). Furthermore, the majority of the evaluated parameters were strongly influenced by the varietal factor, growing area and their interaction. The knowledge of this composition variability in seeds of non-industrial Cannabis sativa varieties cultivated in northern Morocco could be useful in new Cannabis variety breeding programmes potentially valuable as non-conventional oil in cosmetic and agro-industry.     

Evaluation of the chemical composition of fresh and stored edible aroids

The chemical compositions of 32 cultivars of two edible aroid species (Colocasia esculenta var antiquorum and Xanthosoma sagittifolium) were determined. Mean values obtained for both species in g kg^?1 dry weight were: crude protein 37.5–73.6, total fat 0.9–8.7, ash 28.7–77.7, crude fibre 4.3–42.0, total sugars 5.9–42.5 and starch 509.1–705.7. The mam sugars identified by HPLC were fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose. The amino acids with the highest concentrations were aspartic acid, glutamic acid and arginine. A significant reduction in starch content (to 39.8–47.4 g kg^?1) and increase in total sugars content (to 8.0–11.6 g kg^?1) occurred during the storage of cormels for two weeks under tropical ambient conditions (24–29°C; 86–98% RH). No significant differences (P> 0.05) between fresh and stored cormels were found in crude protein and amino acid contents.     

Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea): Protein content,quality and SDS–PAGE of protein fractions

Total protein from five varieties of Japanese barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea,) was separated into albumin/globulin, prolamin and glutelin fractions. The protein fractions were examined by sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Total protein of the varieties ranged from 110·5 to 139·3 mg g^?1 of which 11·3–17·2% was albumin/globulins, 6·8–9·3% prolamins, 7·5–11·6% prolamin–like, 5·9–9·1% glutelin-like and 39·3–54·4% true glutelins. Amino acid analyses of the total protein showed that the varieties had essentially the same ammo acid composition. With the exception of lysine the amino acid levels adequately matched the provisional FAO scoring pattern. The amino acid composition of the protein fractions was also very similar. Electrophoretic analysis showed that the albumin/globulin fraction contained three or four components; the prolamin and glutelin fractions each had five components. The glutelin fraction had higher molecular weight components than the other two fractions.     

Comparative study of fatty acid composition,vitamin E and carotenoid contents of palm oils from four varieties of oil palm from Côte d'Ivoire

BACKGROUND: Fatty acid, tocopherol, tocotrienol and carotene contents were assessed in four oil palm species from the National Centre of Agronomical Research of Côte d'Ivoire, two of which were the basal Lamé (HP1) and Deli (HP2) collections and two of which resulted from crossings between HP1 and HP2 varieties of Eleais guineensis, HP3 and HP4 being identified as the first and second cycle selection, respectively. RESULTS: Palm oil species were characterized by the richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids composition (48–60%) compared to saturated fatty acids (40–52%), especially the first variety, which was from the base collection, and the two hybrids ensuing from crossing. Total carotene content of those varieties was higher and accounted for 832–3575 µg g^?1, and the β‐carotene level (580–2390 µg g^?1) was predominant. Total vitamin E content was 864–1124 µg g^?1, with a notable higher content of tocotrienols, especially γ‐and α‐tocotrienol, ranging from 400 to 515 µg g^?1 and from 238 to 350 µg g^?1, respectively. CONCLUSION: Crossing seemed to be useful in improving the performance and analytical characteristics of the base collection materials. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nutritional composition and protein value of the baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) almond from the Brazilian Savanna

BACKGROUND: The almond of the baru tree (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a native species of the Brazilian Savanna, is used in the gastronomy of the central western region of the country. There is relatively little information about the chemical composition and nutritional value of the baru almond, which was the motivation for this research. RESULTS: The baru almonds had high lipid (397–437 g kg^?1) and protein (238–281 g kg^?1) contents. There were differences in the amino acid score (AAS = 83–103%) and limiting amount of sulfur amino acids, depending on the origin of the almond. The protein value of the baru almond was higher than that of the peanut according to the relative net protein ratio (RNPR_Baru = 74%, RNPR_Peanut = 66%) and the protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). The baru almond also had high iron (mean 48.1 mg kg^?1), zinc (mean 46.6 mg kg^?1) and dietary fibre (mean 115.8 g kg^?1) contents in relation to Dietary Reference Intakes. CONCLUSION: The baru almond has a high nutrient density and high content of quality protein. Furthermore, the lipid and protein contents and amino acid profile of the baru almond are representative of edible seeds and similar to those of true nuts. This almond can be used as a complementary source of protein and as an excellent option for a healthy diet. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Micronutrients (B,Co, Cu,Fe, Mn,Mo, and Zn) content in made tea (Camellia sinensis L.) and tea infusion with health prospect: A critical review

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is a perennial acidophilic crop, and known to be a nonalcoholic stimulating beverage that is most widely consumed after water. The aim of this review paper is to provide a detailed documentation of selected micronutrient contents, viz. boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), and zinc (Zn) in made tea and tea infusion. Available data from the literature were used to calculate human health aspect associated with the consumption of tea infusion. A wide range of micronutrients reported in both made tea and tea infusion could be the major sources of micronutrients for human. The content of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn in made tea are ranged from 3.04 to 58.44 μg g^?1, below detectable limit (BDL) to 122.4 μg g^?1, BDL to 602 μg g^?1, 0.275 to 13,040 μg g^?1, 0.004 to 15,866 μg g^?1, 0.04 to 570.80 μg g^?1 and 0.01 to 1120 μg g^?1, respectively. Only 3.2 μg L^?1 to 7.25 mg L^?1, 0.01 μg L^?1 to 7 mg L^?1, 3.80 μg L^?1 to 6.13 mg L^?1, 135.59 μg L^?1 ?11.05 mg L^?1, 0.05 μg L^?1 to 1980.34 mg L^?1, 0.012 to 3.78 μg L^?1, and 1.12 μg L^?1 to 2.32 μg L^?1 of B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, and Zn, respectively, are found in tea infusion which are lower than the prescribed limit of micronutrients in drinking water by World Health Organization. Furthermore, micronutrient contents in tea infusion depend on infusion procedure as well as on the instrument used for analysis. The proportion of micronutrients found in different tea types are 1.0–88.9% for B, 10–60% for Co, 2.0–97.8% for Cu, 67.8–89.9% for Fe, 71.0–87.4% for Mn, 13.3–34% for Mo, and 34.9–83% for Zn. From the results, it can also be concluded that consumption of three cups of tea infusion per day does not have any adverse effect on human health with respect to the referred micronutrients rather got beneficial effects to human.