Effect of fermentation on the thiamin, riboflavin and niacin contents of melon seed (Citrullus vulgaris) and African oil bean seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla)

An automated thiochrome method and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection were used to determine thiamin and riboflavin, respectively, in unfermented, and fermented melon seeds (Citrullus vulgaris) and African oil bean seeds (Pentaclethra macrophylla). Niacin was determined microbiologically. In all the methods used, fermentation significantly increased the content of thiamin, riboflavin and niacin in African oil bean seeds and thiamin and riboflavin in melon seeds. There was no change in the niacin content of melon seeds.