Chemical composition and nutritional evaluation of an underexploited legume,Acacia nilotica (L.) Del.

Nutritional and antinutritional characteristics and biological value of Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. seeds were investigated. The mature seeds contained 234 g kg⁻¹ crude protein, 126 g kg⁻¹ crude fibre, 66.6 g kg⁻¹ crude fat, 39.7 g kg⁻¹ ash and 534 g kg⁻¹ carbohydrates. Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and manganese occurred in high concentrations. The essential amino acid profile compared well with the FAO/WHO recommended pattern except for cystine, methionine and threonine. Cystine and methionine were the first limiting amino acids. When compared with the globulin fraction, albumins appeared to be a richer source of cystine, methionine, threonine, lysine and tryptophan. Oleic and linoleic acids constituted the predominant fatty acids (66.9%). Both dry-heating and autoclaving reduced the antinutritional components significantly. The in vitro protein digestibilities of raw, dry heat-treated and autoclaved seeds were 61.2%, 77.4% and 80.2%, respectively. Biological value, true digestibility and net protein utilization were significantly higher in processed seed than in raw seeds. The utilizable protein difference was insignificant between raw and processed seed samples.     

Some characteristics of the roots of the winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC]

Three accessions of winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC] tuberous roots from Thailand were examined for their crude protein (N × 6.25), non-protein nitrogen and starch contents. The roots were further analysed for their trypsin inhibitor and urease activities and for the presence of tannins and cyanogenic compounds. Crude protein was found to be high in comparison with other root crops (5.7–6.7% fresh weight) and this contained a high proportion of non-protein nitrogen (7.4–15.0%). Amino acid content of the crude protein, when compared with mature winged bean seeds, revealed a deficiency in the sulphur-containing amino acids but an exceptionally high aspartic acid content. Starch was the major carbohydrate present in the flesh of the roots (21.7–32.1% fresh weight). Root samples were found to contain high levels of trypsin inhibitory activity (13.5–30.1 TIU mg^?1 fresh weight). No urease activity or cyanide could be detected in any of the root accessions studied.     

Chemical characterization of Chinese chive seed (Allium tuberosum Rottl.)

Chinese chive seeds (Allium tuberosum Rottl.) (grown in China) were investigated. Density, thousand-grain weight, and hectolitre weight of seeds were 1.27 g/cm³, 4.9 g, and 71 kg/100 l, respectively. The results showed that Chinese chive seeds contained high amounts of oil (15.8%), dietary fibre (18.2%) and crude protein (12.3%). Oil of seeds was composed of 10.1% saturated and 90.0% unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic(69.1%) and palmitic (7.0%) were the most abundant unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, respectively. Chinese chive seeds contained 4.5 mg/kg of thiamin, 2.8 mg/kg of riboflavin and 55.1 mg/kg of niacin. The mineral contents of the seed of A. tuberosum, for iron, calcium and zinc, were 580 mg/kg, 1328 and 80.8 mg/kg, respectively. Analysis of the amino acid content of Chinese chive seed revealed that it was a rich source of the essential amino acids, isoleucine, tryptophan and lysine. The study revealed that Chinese chive seeds had high levels of nutritionally important components, such as oil, minerals and essential amino acids.     

In vitro digestibility of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) protein: effect of seed mucilage,oil and thermal processing

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) protein is reported to release physiologically important amino acids and bioactive peptides during gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. The effect of seed mucilage and oil and thermal processing on the in vitro protein digestibility (IPD) of flaxseed protein was assessed under simulated GI digestion. Protein in ground whole flaxseed that contained both mucilage and oil had the lowest digestibility (12.61%). Baking and boiling before size reduction significantly (P < 0.05) improved the IPD (31.77% and 28.04%, respectively). Further increase in IPD occurred when mucilage (51.00%) and both mucilage and oil (66.79%) were removed. Isolated flax protein had a similar IPD value (68.00%) as the mucilage and oil–removed flaxseed. The polypeptide of approximately 13 kDa showed resistance to GI digestion compared with other polypeptides of all these treated seeds. Removal of oil and mucilage as well as thermal treatment enhanced protein digestibility of flaxseed.     

Purification and characterization of a new 11S globulin-like protein from grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds

Around 10 million tons of grape pomace containing 38–52% (on a dry matter basis) seeds was produced each year in the world, so how utilize these residual matters has been receiving great attention. In this study, 11S globulin-like protein (GSG) was isolated and purified from grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds by two consecutive cation exchange and size exclusion chromatography. A yield of 10 mg the protein from 1 kg seeds was obtained. The apparent molecular mass of the native GSG was found to be about 300 kDa. The protein consisted of two subunits with molecular masses of 25.5 and 40.0 kDa, respectively. MADLI-TOF–MS result showed that they were distinct from each other. N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 40.0 kDa subunit is RQQTSRQQKE. Amino acid composition analyses indicated that GSG contained all eight essential amino acids, while lysine was the first limiting amino acids. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the purification of 11S globulin-like protein from Vitis vinifera L. seeds.     

Chemical composition of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) plant parts

Samples of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) seeds and plant parts were analyzed for their chemical composition, total and free amino acids as well as minerals. The crude protein content of plant parts was from 10.7–28.0%, soluble proteins from 190–709 mg/100 g, lipid from 1.3–6.0%, ash 2.2–6.8%, crude fibre 10.7–35.5%, soluble sugars 0.1–12.2%, starch 0.8–26.5%, carbohydrate 55.8–81.5% and phenolic compounds from 0.5–3.0%. The amino acid profile of proteins of seeds and other plant parts of beach pea showed that they were deficient in sulphur-containing amino acids. Tryptophan was another limiting amino acid in plant parts, except in leaves (1.35 g/16 g N). The content of free amino acids was highest in branches plus stems (3148 mg/100 g) and lowest in pod shells (151 mg/100 g). Beach pea plant parts were a good source of minerals such as K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Al and Zn.     

Composition and nutritive value of cormels of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott

The nutritional quality of the cormels of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott cultivar ‘Guavir’ was determined chemically and biologically in feeding experiments with weanling rats. The contents of starch and unavailable carbohydrates (cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin) were 54 and 15% of the dry matter respectively. Lipid accounted for less than 1% of the dry matter. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were the main fatty acids in the lipids, with linoleic acid predominating. The content and fatty acid composition of the individual lipids was examined. Crude protein amounted to 10.4% of the dry matter. This protein was low in the sulphurcontaining amino acids and tryptophan, but contained adequate levels of the other essential amino acids. Diets containing raw cormel meal gave severely depressed net protein utilisation (NPU) and total nitrogen and carbohydrate digestibility when fed ad libitum to weanling rats. Both NPU and nitrogen and carbohydrate digestibility improved when the cormel meal was cooked prior to inclusion in the diets but such diets still did not support growth in weanling rats.     

Characteristics of the proteins of the tubers of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC)

The crude protein content (amino acid Nx6.25) of six varieties of Psophocarpus tetragonolobus tuber varied from 12.7 to 16.9%. Free amino acids and low molecular weight peptides account for about 40% of this crude protein value. The non-dialysable protein content of winged bean tuber is therefore less than previously assumed, but is still relatively high for a tuber crop. The amino acid contents of the tuber varieties were similar and nutritionally acceptable, except for the sulphur containing amino acids. Fresh tubers showed trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activity and haemagglutinin activity. The inhibitor levels showed little variation but differences in the levels of haemagglutinin activity were found. On SDS-polyacrylamide gels the tuber proteins revealed a simple subunit pattern of two major polypeptides of M_r 30000 and 20000. Fractionation of the tuber proteins showed that the inhibitors and haemagglutinins comprise about 35% of the tuber protein. In addition, three acidic protein (about 12% of tuber protein), three basic proteins (ca. 34% of tuber protein) and a minor component (M_r～10000) with a high cystine content (11 residue %) were identified.     

Chemical Composition,Amino Acid Content and Protein Quality of the Little-Known Legume Bauhinia purpurea L

Some nutritional and antinutritional characteristics and biological value of Bauhinia purpurea L seeds were studied. The mature seeds contained (g kg^-1 as is) 271·7 crude protein, 58·7 crude fibre, 124·5 crude fat, 29·3 ash and 515·3 carbohydrates. Potassium, phosphorus and iron occurred in higher concentrations when compared with commonly consumed legumes. The globulins and albumins together constituted major storage proteins (82% total protein). The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins compared well with the FAO/WHO reference pattern except for a deficiency of sulphur-containing amino acids and tryptophan. When compared with the globulins, the albumins appeared to be a rich source of cystine, methionine, threonine, lysine and tryptophan. Seed lipids contained high levels of the unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, which accounted for 62·6% of total fatty acids recovered. Both dry heating and autoclaving significantly reduced the antinutritional compounds. The in vitro protein digestibilities of raw, dry-heated and autoclaved seeds were 59·5, 72·3 and 78·7%, respectively. True digestibility and net protein utilisation were significantly higher in processed seed samples compared with raw seeds. Regarding utilisable protein, autoclaved samples exhibited relatively higher values than raw seeds. © 1997 SCI.     

Protein classification of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.)

Protein fractionation of whole seed, cotyledons and hulls of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) was carried out. Surface topography of pea protein isolates and protein fractions, as well as their polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), was studied. The nitrogen solubility of beach pea seed meal was minimum at pH 4.5. Globulin was the major protein fraction present and its content in whole seeds (57%), cotyledons (62%) and hulls (24%) of beach pea was lower than those of other common pea cultivars; the same was true for its albumin content. However, glutelin content in beach pea seed and its parts (cotyledons and hulls) was higher than those of other pea cultivars. The albumin fraction contained the highest amount of total sulphur-containing amino acids followed by glutelin, globulin and prolamine. The amount of sulphur-containing amino acids in beach pea protein fractions was higher than in other peas. Predicted biological value of albumin and glutelin fractions of beach pea was also higher than green pea and grass pea. Beach pea seed protein fractions showed different UV spectra from other pea cultivars. Protein isolate and protein fractions of beach pea seeds showed similar topographical characteristics to those of other peas. Major polypeptide bands in the range of 35–47 kDa in the protein isolate, as well as protein fractions for beach pea, were detected by PAGE.     

Composition and Food Potential of African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) and Velvet Bean (Mucuna uriens)

Fatty acids, protein and amino acids of African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla) and velvet beans (Mucuna uriens) were studied. Crude protein of the defatted seeds were 341g and 196g per kilogram dry matter and the ether extract was 46 and 8%, respectively, for oil bean seed and mucuna. Essential amino acids composition compared fairly with that of isolated soybean protein. Lysine was high at 66.5 and 66.4g/kg crude protein (nitrogen × 6.25) for oil bean seed and mucuna, respectively. Methionine was low but cystine was high. The fat had a high content of saturated fatty acids. It is suggested that the seeds may be a potential source of protein and oil.     

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL POTENTIAL OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA SSP. CYLINDRICA (FABACEAE)

Seeds of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ssp. cylindrica (L.) Estt. (Fabaceae) were analyzed for proximate composition, proteins, fatty acids, minerals, antinutritional factors and phytohaemagglutinating activity. Crude protein, crude fat, ash and nitrogen free extractives constitute 29, 10, 4 and 53%, respectively. The caloric value of 100 g dry matter of seed material was 1737 KJ. The essential amino acids, isoleucine, lysine and tyrosine+phenylalanine are present in higher concentrations as 124.3, 79.5 and 79.1 mg/100 g crude protein, respectively. The unsaturated fatty acids constituted more than 60% of total fatty acids. The seeds were found to be a potential source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. The antinutritional factors such as total free phenols, tannins, L‐DOPA, hydrogen cyanide and phytic acid contents were determined. The effect of cooking on the levels of nutritional and antinutritional factors was also assayed. Cooking caused reduction of 0.02, 0.59 and 0.36% in the mineral constituents of potassium, calcium and phosphorus, respectively. More than 70% of the antinutritional factors were eliminated and there was an increase of crude fiber content.     

Chemische Zusammensetzung von Samen und Samenschale der Ackerbohne (Vicia faba L.)

Zusammenfassung Verschiedene chemische Bestandteile des Samens und der Samenschale der Ackerbohne (Vicia faba L.) wurden untersucht. Die Samen enthalten einen relativ hohen Roheiweiß- (27,5%), niedrigen Rohfett(3,36%) und Ligningehalt (2,65%). Die Samenschale hat eine hohe Faserkonzentration und ist eine bedeutende Ca-Quelle (1,86 g/kg TM). Die höchsten Makroelementkonzentrationen wurden aus Kalium, Phosphor und Magnesium registriert. Die Hauptmikroelemente (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) kommen in bedeutend höheren Konzentrationen in den Samen als in der Samenschale vor. Die Aminosäurezusammensetzung der Samen ist positiv (verglichen zu weißer Lupine), das Verhältnis der essentiellen Aminosäuren ist gut. Die Konzentrationen der untersuchten antinutritiven Stoffe, besonders der Alkaloide, sind niedrig. Auf Grund der angeführten chemischen Untersuchungen ist diese Pflanze eine der wertvollsten Hülsenfrüchte; der Anbau und die Verwendung der Samen scheint zukunftsreich zu sein.

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Chemical composition of seeds and of testa ofVicia faba L.

Different chemical components were analysed in the seeds and in testa ofVicia faba. The seeds contain a relativ high crude protein (27,5%), a low crude fatt (3,36%) content; and the lignin concentration is low (2,65%). The testa of the seeds has a very high fibre concentration and is a significant Ca-source (1,86 g/kg). The higher macroelement concentrations in the seeds were measured from K, P and Mg. The main microelements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) have significant higher concentrations in the seed than in the testa. The amino acid composition of seeds is positiv (compared to data of white lupine), the rate of essentiell amino acids is good. The concentrations of the examined antinutritiv organic constituents, especially of alkaloids, are low. On the basis of chemical analysis, the production and utilisation of seeds ofVicia faba is recommended.

     

Some chemical properties of white lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.)

Lupin seeds (Lupinus albus L.), grown in Turkey, were investigated. Density, thousand grain weight, and hectolitre weight of seeds were 1.16 g/cm³, 411.4 g, and 68.12 kg/100 l, respectively. The results showed that lupin contained high amounts of protein (32.2%), fibre (16.2%), oil (5.95%), and sugar (5.82%). Oil of seeds was composed of 13.5% saturated, 55.4% monounsaturated, and 31.1% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Sucrose constituted 71% of total sugar content of seeds. Lupin seeds contained 3.9 mg/kg of thiamin, 2.3 mg/kg of riboflavin and 39 mg/kg of niacin. It can be concluded that lupin is an excellent food material with a high nutritional value.     

Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as a Source of Proteins and Bioactive Peptides with Health Benefits: A Review

The consumption of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has increased in recent years due its high content of omega‐3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. This seed also has a high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids, becoming a promising source of bioactive peptides. The objective of this review was to identify the composition and the beneficial effects of chia seeds (S. hispanica L.), their proteins, peptides, and their potential impact on human health. The UniProt database was used to identify the chia proteins and their amino acid sequences. The BIOPEP database was used to analyze the peptides's bioactive potential. A total of 20 proteins were cataloged in chia seed, 12 of those were involved in the regular metabolic processes of the plant cells. However, eight proteins were specifically related to production and storage of plant lipids, thus explaining the high concentration of lipids in chia seeds (around 30%), especially omega‐3 fatty acids (around 20%). The analyses of amino acid sequences showed peptides with bioactive potential, including dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitors, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and antioxidant capacity. These results correlated with the main health benefits of whole chia seed in humans such as antioxidant capacity, and hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anticholesterolemic effects. Such relation can be associated with chia protein and peptide compositions and therefore needs further investigation in vitro and in vivo.     

Effects of Heat and Hydrogenation on Cyclopropenoid Fatty Acid Composition of Baobab (Adansonia Suarezensis) Seed Oil

The seeds of the baobab Adansonia suarenzensis (Bombacaceae) contain 46.2% oil used for cooking by the malagasy population. This oil gives a positive Halphen test showing the presence of cyclopropenoic fatty acids (CPEFA). Composition analysis of derivatized fatty acid methyl esters was done by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The A. suarenzensis seed oil contains mainly palmitic (46%) stearic (3.5%) oleic (21%) and linolenic (12%) acids. Effect of heat on CPEFA content of boabab oil was studied at 133°C and 180°C. Major decomposition of CPEFA at 180°C shows that deodorisation would be the main step in the oil refining process. Hydrogenation of the baobab oil using an industrial hydrogenating catalyst results in CPEFA content decreasing rapidly.     

Nutritional composition of Zizyphus lotus L. seeds

BACKGROUND: Zizyphus lotus seeds are an unutilized source of vegetable oil and protein and nothing has been reported on their physicochemical characteristics which would indicate the potential uses of these seeds. RESULTS: The percentage composition of the Zizyphus lotus seeds is (on a dry‐weight basis): ash 1.05%, oil 32.92%, protein 19.11%, total carbohydrate 40.87% and moisture 6.05%. Calcium, potassium and magnesium constitute the major minerals of Zizyphus lotus seeds. The seed proteins are rich in threonine, glutamic acid, leucine, arginine and aspartic acid (26.73%, 17.28%, 13.11%, 9.47% and 7.76%, respectively). The main fatty acids of the oil are oleic (61.93%), linoleic (18.31%) and palmitic (9.14%) acids. Glycerol trioleate (OOO; O: oleic acid) was the most abundant triacylglycerol, representing 26.48% of the total triacyglycerols. β‐Tocopherol was the major tocopherol (130.47 mg 100 g^?1). This oil was rich in Δ7‐campestrol and β‐sitosterol (147.82 and 82.10 mg 100 g^?1 oil), respectively. CONCLUSION: Zizyphus lotus seeds are rich in fat and protein which are of potential industrial significance. In addition, Zizyphus lotus L. seed oil contained many bioactive compounds. This fact is of great economic interest owing to several applications of Zizyphus lotus L. seeds in the food, cosmetics and medicinal industries. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Val bean (Lablab purpureus L.) proteins: composition and biochemical properties

Val bean (Lablab purpureus L.) proteins were fractionated using the Osborne protein fractionation scheme and biochemically characterized. The seed flour contained 302 g kg^?1 protein (micro‐Kjeldahl N × 6.25) on a dry weight basis. Albumin, globulin, prolamin, and glutelin accounted for 22.8%, 45.1%, 1.8% and 30.3%, respectively, of the total soluble seed proteins. Among the solvents tested, 0.1 mol L^?1 aqueous NaOH was the most effective protein solubilizer. Isoelectric focusing indicated the seed proteins to be predominantly acidic (pI range was ～4–7). Val globulin is a glycoprotein composed of at least three polypeptides in the molecular mass range 51–64 kDa. Albumin fraction had the highest trypsin inhibitory activity, while the globulin fraction registered the highest hemagglutinating activity. Sulfur amino acids were the first limiting amino acids in the total seed proteins. The proportion of essential to total [E/T(%)] amino acids for the bean flour was 36.97%. Among the protein fractions, glutelin fraction had the highest E/T (42.86%) followed by albumin (41.57%), globulin (39.87%), and prolamin (39.15%). Native globulin, although resistant to pepsin, was effectively digested in vitro upon moist heat (100 °C, 30 min) denaturation. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical, Functional, and Nutritional Properties of Egusi (Colocynthis citrullus L.) Seed Protein Products

Egusi (Colocynthis citrullus L.) kernels contain 52.0% oil, 28.4% protein (60% in defatted flour), 2.7% fiber, 3.6% ash, and 8.2% carbohydrate. They are good sources of essential amino acids, especially arginine, tryptophan and methionine, vitamins B₁, B₂, and niacin, and S, Ca, Mg, Mn, K, P, Fe, and Zn. The oil contains mostly oleic (15.9%) and linoleic (62.8%) acids. Protein isolates that differ in gel electrophoretic patterns and amino acid content can be prepared from the flour in one- or two-step water and sodium hydroxide extractions. The water and oil holding capacities of the flour are 0.7 and 2.6 ml/g, respectively. Thick (mayonnaise-type) emulsions form in the alkaline pH range and a stable foam forms at pH 5.0. Nutritionally, lysine is the most limiting amino acid (chemical score, 52.4).     

Wet Fractionation of Hard-to-Cook Bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) Seeds and Characterization of Protein,Starch and Fibre Fractions

A 2³ factorial design with four replicates of the central trial was used to evaluate wet-fractionation conditions for complete use of hard-to-cook (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds. Tested variables were flour/water ratio (1:5, 1:7.5 and 1:10 w/v), pH (8, 9.5 and 11) and a soaking time (1, 2 and 3 h). The optimum conditions (1:10 w/v flour/water ratio; pH 8; and 1 h soaking time) were determined by the percentages of protein and starch recovery. Three fractions were obtained by the process: a protein isolate, starch fraction and fibrous residue. Isolate crude protein content was 73.03%; its in vitro digestibility was 76.7%, and its amino acids concentrations, except for methionine and cysteine, met essential amino acids requirements for preschool children and adults. Total starch content was 71.41% with an amylose content of 21.46% and an amylopectin content of 78.54%. Total dietary fibre in the fibrous residue was 42.12%, with 81.10% insoluble fibre and 18.91% soluble fibre. The protein isolate’s high protein content, the purity of the starch fraction and high proportion of insoluble fibre in the fibrous residues show wet fractionated hard-to-cook bean to be a promising source of functional ingredients with possible food industry applications.