Some nutritional and anti-nutritional characteristics of para-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seeds

Para-rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seeds were examined for their proximate analysis, detergent fibre, amino acid and mineral composition. The seeds were further analysed for the presence of anti-trypsin activity, cyanide, phytate and tannins.The average composition of the seed kernel was determined to be (dry matter basis) 21.5% crude protein, 50.2% crude fat, 6.5% crude fibre, 3.6% ash and 18.2% carbohydrates. The amino acid profile, when compared with the NAS/NRC reference protein pattern, revealed deficiencies of lysine, isoleucine and threonine. The seed kernels contained reasonable amounts of trace minerals, but were poor sources of Ca and P.Fresh seed kernel samples contained toxic levels of HCN (164mg/100g dry weight), but most of the cyanide was eliminated by storage and cooking. The relatively high content of phytate P (37.5% of total P) may be expected to further aggravate the problem of low P and to cause severe Ca/P imbalance. No antitryptic activity or tannins could be detected in the samples studied. Because of the presence of an anti-fertility factor and collection and storage problems, it is concluded that rubber seeds show little promise as a human food in normal times.     

Physicochemical characteristics and anti-oxidant activities of farm-cultivated and mountain-cultivated ginseng seeds

Physicochemical characteristics and anti-oxidant capacities of seeds from two farm-cultivated and one mountain-cultivated ginsengs (Panax ginseng Meyer) (MG) were determined. The seeds had 17.9–22.1% (dry basis) crude lipids, 11.5–15.2% crude proteins, and 1.4–1.7% ash. Oleic acid (77.9–78.5%) was the predominant fatty acid in the seed oils, followed by linoleic acid (16.6–17.4%). The highest Hunter b value, carotenoids, (β?+?γ)-tocotrienol, and δ-tocotrienol, and the lowest α-tocotrienol were observed in the seed oils from MG. Squalene was also the most abundant in the MG seed oils. β-Sitosterol was the major phytosterol in the seed oils with MG the highest. Defatted seed meal extracts from MG possessed the most total phenolics and flavonoids, and the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities. These results suggest that MG seeds may be a novel source of functional foods.     

文冠果种仁营养物质和脂肪酸组成与氨基酸的评价

以不同产地文冠果种仁为材料,对文冠果种仁营养物质、脂肪酸、活性成分、氨基酸等组成与含量成进行了测定与分析。并应用氨基酸比值系数法,以WHO/FAO氨基酸参考模式为评价标准,对其必需氨基酸的组成进行了评价。结果表明：文冠果种仁中粗脂肪的含量为56.2%,蛋白质的含量为25.9%,粗纤维含量为10.4%,灰分含量为2.4%。文冠果种仁含有丰富的P、Ca、K、Mg、Na、Cu等多种微量元素。文冠果种仁中含有13种脂肪酸,不饱和脂肪酸约为91.74%。文冠果种仁中含有维生素C、维生素E、多酚、黄酮、甾醇等活性物质。文冠果种仁中含有17种氨基酸,氨基酸总含量为24.27%,其中8种人体必需氨基酸的总含量为8.44%,亮氨酸含量最高,为1.84%。其必需氨基酸的构成比例基本符合食品法典委员会（WHO/FAO）的标准,其氨基酸的比值系数评分（SRC）为77.55。文冠果种仁营养物质、活性成分丰富,所含人体必需氨基酸的种类齐全,并且含有独特的功能性脂肪酸-神经酸,是有利于人体健康的优质食品原料。     

海芦笋籽油的检测及其性质的研究

为了明确海芦笋籽油的使用价值,对海芦笋种籽及其籽油的理化性质进行了研究。海芦笋种籽的含油率为26.01%,并对种籽中的水分,灰分,蛋白质,以及总碳水化合物质量分数进行测定。采用超声波溶剂法提取该种籽中的油脂,通过测定毛油的酸值,碘值,皂化值,过氧化值和不皂化物,来评估籽油的质量。运用GC-MS对籽油中的脂肪酸组成进行了分析,海芦笋籽油中主要的脂肪酸是亚油酸(64.02%),以及不饱和脂肪酸总质量分数达到84.98%。采用HPLC方法,检测出海芦笋籽油中含有丰富的维生素E。同时,在200~400 nm处进行紫外扫描,得出海芦笋籽油可以作为一种广谱紫外线保护剂。结果表明:海芦笋籽油可以用于化妆品,医药和食品等领域。     

Effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical properties,proximate composition,vitamins and antinutritional factors of the tribal pulse Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata

Effect of gamma irradiation on Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata seeds (maroon‐coloured seed coat) at various doses (2, 5, 10, 15 and 25 kGy) on the physicochemical properties, proximate composition, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid) and antinutritional factors were analysed. No significant changes were recorded in the physicochemical properties of irradiated seeds. Gamma irradiation resulted in a significant increase in crude protein, while the crude lipid, crude fibre and ash contents resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease. Gamma‐irradiated seeds presented a significant decrease in the ascorbic acid and niacin content. Irradiation processing significantly reduced the level of L‐DOPA, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitor activity, oligosaccharides and lectins. The total free phenolics, tannins and in vitro protein digestibility on irradiation showed a significant dose‐dependent increase. Gamma irradiation seems to be a good procedure to improve the quality of legume seeds from the nutritional point of view.     

FATTY ACIDS AND TOCOPHEROL CONTENTS OF SOME PRUNUS SPP. KERNEL OILS

The oil content as well as the fatty acid and tocopherol composition of kernels from 15 Prunus spp. varieties from Turkey were determined. The oil yields from these kernels varied from 46.3 to 55.5%. The main fatty acids of Prunus spp. kernel oils were oleic acid (43.9–78.5%), linoleic acid (9.7–37%) and palmitic acid (4.9–7.3%). The total amount of vitamin-E-active compounds in the oils varied between 62.9 and 439.9 mg/kg. The predominant tocopherol in most kernel oils was γ-tocopherol. Only two varieties of P. amygdalus and one variety of P. persica showed α-tocopherol as the main vitamin-E-active compound. The composition of the oils was 9–164.5 mg/kg α-tocopherol, 21.5–41.6 mg/kg α-tocotrienol, 1.6–330.2 mg/kg γ-tocopherol and 0–39.1 mg/kg δ-tocopherol. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the kernels of the investigated species of Prunus fruits from Turkey may serve potential sources of valuable oil that might be used for edible and other industrial applications.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The search for new sources of vegetable oils is an ongoing challenge and the further utilization of by-products from the food processing industry is an interesting option in this field. Seed oils from Prunus species contain high amounts of recommended monounsaturated oleic acid moderate contents of linoleic acid and low amounts of saturated fatty acids that may result in more favorable oil than olive oil with regard to their fatty acid compositions. Additionally, the oils contain vitamin-E-active compounds. Both fatty acid composition and vitamin-E-active compounds may justify the further processing of seeds from Prunus species for the production of oil for food and pharmaceutical applications.     

辣椒籽油的制备及其挥发性香味物质的研究

利用亚临界低温萃取技术对经过炒制前处理的辣椒籽进行萃取制备得到辣椒籽油,并采用同时蒸馏结合GC-MS法,分析了不同的炒制温度(120~200℃)和炒制时间(5~25 min)对辣椒籽油中的挥发性成分和脂肪酸成分的影响。在炒制时间为5 min,炒制温度低于140℃时,芳樟醇、月桂烯、双戊烯是辣椒籽油的主要香气物质,当温度高于140℃时,吡嗪类化合物和2-戊基呋喃是辣椒籽油的主要香气物质。在炒制温度为140℃,炒制时间为5 min时,辣椒籽油中的芳樟醇、月桂烯、双戊烯的含量分别达到最大值,随着炒制时间的增加,辣椒籽油中的2,3,5,6-甲基四吡嗪和2-戊基呋喃的含量在20 min时达到了最大值。辣椒籽油中主要的脂肪酸成分是棕榈酸(11.57%)、油酸(76.16%)和亚油酸(7.14%)。     

Composition of Atriplex hortensis, Sweet and Bitter Chenopodium quinoa Seeds

Composition and amino acid profiles of seeds from garden orach (A triplex hortensis) and sweet quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd. ‘Surumi’) were compared with bitter quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). Protein content was 14.8 and 15.7% for sweet and bitter quinoa, respectively. Garden orach seeds had a protein content of 25.7%, similar to that found in legumes. Fat and ash contents were similar for all three samples (5.3 to 6.2% fat; 2.6 to 3.2% ash). Amino acid profiles showed a balanced content of essential amino acids for all three samples when compared with reference patterns from the World Health Organization. Garden orach and quinoa seed proteins contained higher lysine contents compared with cereals.     

Variation in oil content and fatty acid composition of the seed oil of Acacia species collected from the northwest zone of India

BACKGROUND: The oil content and fatty acid composition of the mature seeds of Acacia species collected from natural habitat of the northwest zone of the Indian subcontinent (Rajasthan) were analyzed in order to determine their potential for human or animal consumption. RESULTS: Oil content varied between 40 and 102 g kg^?1. The highest oil content was obtained in Acacia bivenosa DC. (102 g kg^?1) among the nine Acacia species. The fatty acid composition showed higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (～757.7 g kg^?1 in A. bivenosa), oleic acid (～525.0 g kg^?1 in A. nubica) and dominant saturated fatty acids were found to be 192.5 g kg^?1 palmitic acid and 275.6 g kg^?1 stearic acid in A. leucophloea and A. nubica respectively. Seed oils of Acacia species can thus be classified in the linoleic–oleic acid group. Significant variations were observed in oil content and fatty acid composition of Acacia species. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the seed oil of Acacia species could be a new source of high linoleic–oleic acid‐rich edible oil and its full potential should be exploited. The use of oil from Acacia seed is of potential economic benefit to the poor native population of the areas where it is cultivated. The fatty acid composition of Acacia seed oils is very similar to that reported for commercially available edible vegetable oils like soybean, mustard, sunflower, groundnut and olive. Hence the seed oil of Acacia species could be a new source of edible vegetable oil after toxicological studies. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Total lipids content and fatty acid composition of seed oils from six pomegranate cultivars

The fatty acid composition of the seed oils of six pomegranate (Punica granatum L) cultivars was qualitatively and quantitatively determined by gas chromatography. The seeds contained oil in the range 51-152 mg kg^?1 dry matter. Intervarietal differences in fatty acid composition were demonstrated (fatty acid esters as % (w/w) total fatty acid esters. Sour varieties had the highest while sour-sweet varieties had the lowest oil content. Eleven fatty acids were identified. In all varieties, the predominant fatty acids were linoleic (25.2-38.6%) and oleic acid (24.8-35.5%) followed by palmitic (18.2-22.6%), stearic (6.9-10.4%) and linolenic acid (0.6-9.9%). To a lesser extent arachidic (1.1-3.4%) and palmitoleic acid (0.2-2.7%) were also found in all varieties. Lauric, myristic, behenic and lignoceric acids were rarely detected. As far as we know linolenic (18:3), arachidic (20:0), behenic (22:0) or lignoceric (24:0) acids have not been previously reported in the seed oils of edible pomegranate varieties. Lignoceric acid has not previously been found in pomegranate seed oil.     

Common date palm in Tunisia: chemical composition of pulp and pits

Date pulp and seeds (Phoenix dactylifera L.) of a mixture of some mature common varieties called ‘Khalti’, from the South‐Eastern region of Tunisia, were evaluated for their main chemical composition. Studies were also conducted on the profiles of the extracted oil fatty acid. The following average values (on a dry‐weight basis) were obtained from the pulp and pits, respectively: total sugars 63.38% and 8.12%, reducing sugars 51.56% and 6.63%, sucrose 11.82% and 1.49%, protein 3.86% and 5.31%, oil 0.26% and 8.33%. Gas–liquid chromatography revealed that the major unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid (32.77%) for the pulp and oleic acid (47.66%) for the pits, while the main saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid (20.55%) for the pulp and lauric acid (17.39%) for the pits. Myristic, stearic and linolenic acids were also found in both the pulp and seeds. The uses of common dates, which are currently used only for animal feed, are assessed with suggestions for potential uses as sources of nutraceutical fructose and edible, pharmaceutical oils.     

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     

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.     

Nutritional Analysis of Puget Sound Bull Kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana)

Samples of Nereocystis luetkeana, an edible brown algae, were collected from Puget Sound, Wash. The freeze-dried samples were analyzed for proximate and elemental composition and evaluated for protein quality by amino acid analysis and using Tetrahymena pyriformis W. The freeze-dried frond, stipe, and bulb of the algae showed similar composition; however, the frond had a protein content twice that found in the bulb and stipe and five times less crude fiber than the stipe. The proximate analysis of the frond was 15.3% protein, 1.3% crude fiber, 42.7% ash, 1.9% crude fat, and 38.8% carbohydrate (by difference). Based on neutron activation analysis, Nereocysti: contained appreciable quantities of sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron. The algae protein appeared to be of high quality based on growth of Tetrahymena pyriformis W. on a pepsin digest of the algae and on the amino acid profile and in vitro digestibility of the intact algae.     

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.     

Nutritional, Fatty Acid, and Oil Characteristics of Pumpkin and Melon Seeds

Nutritional and oil characteristics of pumpkin and melon seeds were investigated. On a dry basis, the data obtained for the two seeds, respectively, were: crude oil 45.4 and 37.8%; crude protein, 32.3 and 25.2%; crude fiber, 12.1 and 15.4%; and ash, 4.65 and 3.85%. Food energy values were 2.83 and 2.59 MJ/100g, respectively. The seeds were found to have considerable amounts of essential minerals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and P). The defatted flour of the pumpkin and melon seeds contained, respectively: crude protein, 55.4 and 39.4%; crude fiber, 28.1 and 24.7%; and ash, 7.23 and 6.18%. The major fatty acid of the oils was linoleic (18:2) at concentrations of 43.1 and 64.6%, followed by oleic (18:1), 37.8 and 20.1%, respectively.     

Biochemical and nutritional characteristics of non-conventional protein sources

Some nutritional and antinutritional characteristics of Cucumis sativus L and Lagenaria vulgaris (Molina) Standl seeds ere studied. The mature seed kernels contained 312–318 g kg^?1 crude protein, 9–10 g kg^?1 crude fibre, 444–463 g kg^?1 crude fat, 43–45 g kg^?1 ash and 114–142 g kg^?1 carbohydrates. The biological values of cucumber and bottle gourd proteins ere 74.35 and 74.20 respectively. The essential amino acid profile compared ell ith the FAO/HO scoring pattern except for a deficiency of lysine and isoleucine. Lysine as the first limiting amino acid in both the proteins. The leucine:isoleucine and leucine:lysine ratios did not sho imbalance. Trypsin inhibitor, phytate, lectin and tannin levels ere determined in the defatted decorticated cucurbit seed meals. Heat treatment reduced the trypsin inhibitor and lectin activities in all samples to negligible levels. Levels of phytate and tannins ere found to be similar in all samples.     

Composition and protein quality of sweet lupin seed

The proportion of seed coats (hulls) of four varieties of sweet lupin seeds ranged from 19 to 25%. The amount of hull varied inversely with the weight of the seed, within each variety. Lupinus luteus cv Weiko III had 40.1% protein (dry basis); of 3 cultivars of L. angustifolius cv Uniharvest had the highest protein (36.2%), while cv Uniwhite had the lowest (28.6%). The protein content of dehulled lupins was about 20% higher than that of the whole seeds. L. angustifolius cv Uniwhite and L. luteus cv Weiko III were analysed for moisture, protein, lipid, ash, fibre, amino acids, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper and manganese. Whole seed, hulls and kernels were examined. Sulphur amino acids were limiting. The protein efficiency ratios of the two varieties, supplemented with methionine, were 2.40 and 2.56, respectively; these values increased by about 10% when the protein of the dehulled lupin seeds were tested. The requirement for added methionine for maximum p.e.r. was 0.65 g/kg diet. When dehulled lupin seed was steeped in water for a day and boiled and included in the diet of rats, slightly superior growth and p.e.r. resulted. The two varieties of dehulled lupin seeds effectively supplemented the protein of barley meal in the diet of rats, especially when methionine supplements were added, but were less efficient in supplemental value than was casein.     

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Brazilian Passiflora Seed Oils

The seed oils of different varieties of 4 Passiflora species cultivated in Brazil were analyzed and compared regarding their physicochemical parameters, fatty acid composition and the presence of minor components, such as phytosterols, tocopherols, total carotenoids, and phenolic compounds. The antioxidant capacities of the oil extracts were determined using the 2,2'azinobis [3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid] and oxygen radical absorbance capacity methods. The results revealed that all studied Passiflora seed oils possessed similar physicochemical characteristics, except for color, and predominantly contained polyunsaturated fatty acids with a high percentage of linolenic acid (68.75% to 71.54%). Other than the total phytosterol content, the extracted oil from Passiflora setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado seeds had higher quantities (% times higher than the average of all samples), of carotenoids (44%), phenolic compounds (282%) and vitamin E (215%, 56%, 398%, and 100% for the α‐tocopherol, β‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol, and δ‐tocopherol isomers, respectively). The methanolic extracts from Passiflora setacea BRS Pérola do Cerrado seed oil also showed higher antioxidant activity, which was positively correlated with the total phenolic, δ‐tocopherol, and vitamin E contents. For the first time, these results indicate that Passiflora species have strong potential regarding the use of their seeds for oil extraction. Due to their interesting composition, the seed oils may be used as a raw material in manufacturing industries in addition to other widely used vegetable oils.     

Nutritive value of the larvae of raphia palm beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and weevil (Rhyncophorus pheonicis)

The proximate nutrient composition, energy value, mineral concentrations, amino acid composition and chemical score of the larvae of raphia palm beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) and weevil (Rhyncophorus pheonicis) were evaluated. Values of moisture, ash and crude protein were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in O rhinoceros than in R pheonicis while the reverse was the case for the values of crude fat, total carbohydrate and energy content. The crude protein content of both samples was high, with a value of 42.3 ± 0.84% for the palm beetle and 31.6 ± 0.59% for palm weevil, while crude fat was high (17.3 ± 1.2%) in palm weevil and very low (0.55 ± 0.10%) in palm beetle. The calorific value in kcal 100 g^?1 sample was 425 in R pheonicis and was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the value of 285 in O rhinoceros, due to a relatively higher crude fat and total carbohydrate in the former compared with the latter. The mineral concentrations were high and differed for all the elements, with O rhinoceros having the higher level of many of the mineral elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and phosphorus) compared with R pheonicis, consistent with a significantly higher (p < 0.05) ash content of 12.7 ± 0.81% in O rhinoceros against the value of 4.2 ± 0.45% ash in R pheonicis. The amino acid profile showed both samples to be good sources of essential and non‐essential amino acids including cysteine and methionine, both of which contain sulfur. Valine, which had the lowest chemical score of 51.2%, was the most limiting amino acid for protein quality in both O rhinoceros and R pheonicis. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry