Proximate composition and selected functional properties of fermented and unfermented African oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) seed flour

Flour samples were prepared from fermented and unfermentedAfrican oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) seeds (AOBS). The flour samples were evaluated for proximate composition and certain functional properties. The influenceof defatting on these properties was also determined. Fermentation significantly increased (p<0.05) the proteinand decreased the crude fiber, ash, fat and carbohydrate contents of the AOBS flours. The nitrogen solubility of both fermented and unfermented flours was pH dependent withminimum and maximum solubility at pH 4.0 and pH 8.0, respectively, and with increased nitrogen solubility in the fermented sample. The fermented and unfermented flour sampleshad least gelation concentrations of 14 and 16% (w/v), respectively. The water absorption capacity and foam capacitiesof the fermented flour were 36 and 34%, respectively, over the unfermented seed flour. On the other hand, fermentation decreased the fat absorption capacity, emulsion activity and emulsion and foam stabilities. Fermentation decreased (p<0.05) the bulk density of AOBS flour by 15%. Defattingimproved all the functional properties evaluated except emulsion activity. These results indicate potential food usesof fermented and unfermented AOBS flour samples as protein supplements in diets and as functional ingredients in formulated foods.     

Compositional,functional and storage properties of flours from raw and heat processed African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds

African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds were either boiled or roasted and then milled into flour. Chemical composition, functional properties and storage characteristics of raw and treated flours and the effect of partial proteolysis on selected functional properties of the raw flour were determined. Raw flour contained 20.1% crude protein, 2.5% total ash and 13.7% fat. Heat processing significantly (p<0.05) improved in vitro protein digestibility, and water and fat absorption capacities but decreased bulk density, nitrogen solubility, emulsion and foaming properties, trypsin inhibitor, and phytic acid and polyphenol contents of the samples. Boiling proved more effective than roasting for improving protein digestibility, emulsion capacity and foam stability and reducing antinutritional factor levels. Partial proteolysis increased nitrogen solubility, bulk density and water and fat absorption capacities but decreased foam capacity at hydrolysis levels greater than 35%. Fatty acid and peroxide values of the samples increased during storage. Compared to raw samples, heat processed samples had significantly (p<0.05) lower and more acceptable peroxide values and free fatty acid contents and higher and more stable water (3.0 g/g sample) and fat (2.4 g/g sample) absorption capacities.     

Effect of processing method on the quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flour for akara preparation

An indigenous food mixture containing rice flour, milk coprecipitate, sprouted green gram paste and tomato pulp (2: 1: 1: 1 w/w) was developed and called a RCGT food mixture. It was autoclaved (1.5 kg/cm², 15min, 121 °C), cooled and fermented with 2% liquid culture (containing 10⁶ cells/ml broth). Two types of fermentations were carried out i.e. one step single culture fermentation [L. casei or L. plantarum (37 °C, 24 hr.)] and sequential culture fermentation [S. boulardii (25 °C, 24 hr.) +L. casei (37 °C, 24 hr.)]; [S. boulardii (25 °C, 24 hr.) + L. plantarum (37 °C, 24 hr.)]. All fermentations drastically reduced the contents of phytic acid, polyphenols and trypsin inhibitor activity while significantly improving the in vitro digestibilities of starch and protein. Sequential culture fermentations brought about further changes compared to one step single culture fermentation.     

Antinutrients in amphidiploids (black gram × mung bean): varietal differences and effect of domestic processing and cooking

Phytic acid, saponin and polyphenol contents in grains of various varieties of black gram (Vigna mungo) Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) amphidiploids ranged from 697 to 750, 2746 to 2972 and 702 to 783 mg/100 g, respectively. Domestic processing and cooking methods including soaking, ordinary and pressure cooking of soaked and unsoaked seeds, and sprouting significantly lowered phytic acid, saponin and polyphenol contents of the amphidiploid seeds. Soaking for 18 h removed 31 to 37% of the phytic acid; the extent of removal was higher with long periods of soaking. Saponins and polyphenols were relatively less affected. Loss of the antinutrients was greater when soaked instead of unsoaked seeds were cooked. Pressure cooking had a greater effect than ordinary cooking. Antinutrient concentrations declined following sprouting; the longer the period of germination the greater was the reduction.     

Preparation and antinutritional characteristics of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) protein concentrates

Protein concentrates and starches were prepared by a wet extraction process from five dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars. The protein contents ranged from 69.7–76.4%. Concentrates prepared from dehulled beans under similar conditions had higher protein contents (80.6–87.9%). Each additional washing of the concentrates with distilled water increased their protein content. However, the protein recovery progressively decreased. The yield of starch ranged from 48.0–51.1% of the starting material. The solubility of bean proteins was minimal at pH 4.0, and under alkaline conditions, it was influenced by the tannin contents of the concentrates. Protein concentrates had lower trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase inhibitory activities as well as lower phytic acid and tannin contents compared to whole bean flours.     

Effects of soaking in aqueous acidic and alkali solutions on removal of polyphenols and in vitro digestibility of cowpea

Mature dark red seeds of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) UPL Cp 3, were subjected to several soaking treatments to remove their polyphenols. Soaking in water at room temperature for 8 and 24 h resulted in 17% and 21% loss of assayable polyphenols, respectively. Dilute solutions of alkali (Na₂CO₃, NaHCO₃, NH₄OH and KOH) and acid (CH₃ COOH, HCl and H₂ SO₄) were more effective in removing polyphenols up to 88% than higher concentrations of alkali and acid solutions.Vinegar (0.005–0.65 M CH₃ COOH) decreased polyphenols from 55 to 62% with a 6 to 14% improvement in in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD). Commercial lime (65% CaO) removed polyphenols from seeds soaked for 8 to 24 h by 70% with 2 to 10% increase in in vitro protein digestibility. Ash removed 40 to 60% of the polyphenols after 8 and 24 h of soaking with an increase in IVPD of 7 to 13%. Total polyphenols were significantly correlated (+0.92**) with protein precipitable polyphenols (condensed tannins).     

Composition and functional properties of unprocessed and locally processed seeds from three underutilized food sources in Nigeria

Chemical and functional properties of unprocessed (raw) and locally processed seeds ofBrachystegia eurycoma, Detarium microcarpum andMucuna sloanei that affect their utilization as sources of human food were investigated. The seeds, which are underutilized food sources in Nigeria, were subjected to local processing methods which included roasting, boiling, dehulling/shelling, soaking and the changes in composition and functional properties were estimated. Chemical analyses showed that the crude protein contents of the raw seeds ranged from 12.2 to 23.2%; fat varied from 4.9 to 12.0%. The level of phytic acid in the raw seeds (192.4–215 mg/100 g) was observed to be lower than the levels found in some commonly consumed pulses in Nigeria. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) between crude protein contents and the least gelation concentrations of the raw and processed samples, but processing (roasting, boiling, dehulling and soaking) significantly (p=0.011) improved in vitro protein digestibility, water and fat absorption capacity and decreased the bulk density, nitrogen solubility and the phytic acid and polyphenol contents of the samples. Processed samples had high water (3.4–3.8 g/g) and fat (1.8–2.1 g/g) absorption capacities and hence may be useful as functional agents in fabricated foods such as bakery products and ground meat formulations.     

Preparation and properties of flours and protein concentrates from raw, fermented and germinated fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seeds

In vitro protein digestibility, chemical composition and selected functional properties of flours and protein concentrates prepared from raw, fermented and germinated fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) seeds were studied. Protein concentrates prepared by an alkaline extraction process had increased crude protein contents (61.5–70.8%) compared to flour samples (46.4–52.7%). The yields of protein concentrates ranged from 24.5% to 29.4% while values for protein recoveries varied between 64.8% and 65.2%. Protein concentrates also had increased foam volume and decreased foam stability (100% decrease over a 2 h period), compared to flour samples. Fermentation and germination were observed to significantly (p<0.05) lower polyphenol and phytic acid contents, but increased protein digestibility of fluted pumpkin seed flours and concentrates. Both raw flour and concentrate were significantly (p<0.05) higher in water absorption capacity than germinated or fermented flours and concentrates. Protein concentrates had comparatively better fat absorption properties than the flour samples. Hence protein concentrates may prove to have useful applications in ground meat formulations.     

Levels of antinutritional factors in pearl millet as affected by processing treatments and various types of fermentation

Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum) was fermented with Lactobacilli or yeasts alone and in combination, and with natural microflora after various processing treatments, as grinding, soaking, debranning, dry heat treatment, autoclaving and germination. Fermentation was carried out at 30°C for 48 hours withLactobacillus plantarum (LP) andRhodotorula (R) isolated from naturally fermented pearl millet andLactobacillus acidophilus (LA),Candida utilis (CU) and natural microflora (NF). Germination and autoclaving, and debranning and autoclaving were the most effective processing treatments to reduce the phytic acid, amylase inhibitors and polyphenols. There was a further reduction in these antinutrients due to fermentation. Phytic acid and amylase inhibitors were completely eliminated after fermentation in some of the samples especially in soaked, debranned and germinated ones. Polyphenols were altered non-significantly in general but fermentation with Lp+R and NF caused a significant increased in polyphenols.     

Chemical constituents in mature green and red fruits of some varieties of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

Fresh red fruits of twelve chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) varieties had higher dry matter, crude protein, ascorbic acid, phosphorous, zinc and copper contents than the corresponding mature green fruits. Varietal variations with respect of these constitutents were also observed.     

Comparative effects of salt and alkali stresses on organic acid accumulation and ionic balance of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is uniquely capable of growing well under various extreme environmental conditions, such as water deficit, salt stress, low temperature, and high altitude. It is of economic value and its berries are used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. In this study, we compared the effects of salt stresses (9:1 molar ratio of NaCl to Na₂SO₄, pH 6.48–6.65) and alkali stresses (9:1 molar ratio of NaHCO₃ to Na₂CO₃, pH 8.70–8.88) on the levels of inorganic ions and organic acids in H. rhamnoides L. to elucidate the physiological mechanism by which it tolerates salt or alkali stress (high pH). The results showed that, in leaves and stems under alkali stress, the Na⁺ content increased to a much greater extent than under salt stress. Neither salt nor alkali stress decreased the K⁺ content in leaves and stems; however, in roots, the K⁺ content decreased sharply with increasing alkali stress, whereas it remained relatively unchanged with increasing salt stress. This revealed a specific mechanism of absorption or transport for Na⁺ and K⁺ that was affected strongly by alkali stress. The results indicated that accumulation of organic acid (OA) was a central adaptive mechanism by which H. rhamnoides maintained intracellular ionic balance under alkali stress. OA may play different roles in different organs during adaptation to alkali stress, and its percentage contribution to total negative charge was higher in leaf than in stem. H. rhamnoides accumulated mainly malate, oxalate, and citrate in leaves and stems; however, in roots, less malate and citrate was accumulated, and acetate accumulation was enhanced significantly, which indicated that roots and shoots use different mechanisms to modulate OA metabolism.     

Composition and nutritional quality of pea (Pisum sativum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L. spp. minor) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) meals,protein concentrates and isolates

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L. spp. minor), and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) meals, protein concentrates and isolates were analyzed for proximate composition, oligosaccharides, and amino acid composition. Protein quality was evaluated using a mouse bio-assay. The concentrates contained 59.2 to 70.6% and the isolates 86.7 to 90.8% protein (N × 6.25) on moisture-free basis. Glucose, sucrose, raffinose, stachyose and verbascose were present in the highest concentrations in the protein concentrates (7.1 to 11.1%), the pea protein concentrate contained 8.7% sugars and faba bean and lentil protein concentrates 7.1% and 6.6% respectively. The protein isolates were almost free (containing less than 0.79%) of the sugars. Amino acid composition of the meals, concentrates and isolates showed, as expected, sulfur-amino acid deficiency (about two thirds of the rat requirement), which was probably largely responsible for the low protein efficiency ratios (0.75 to 1.18), and net protein ratios (0.25 to 0.73) of the three products, compared to values of 2.56 and 2.18 respectively obtained for casein. The protein digestibilities of the meals, concentrates and isolates (81 to 90%) were similar to that of casein (87%). The poor growth-promoting abilities of the meals, concentrates and isolates were possibly also due to growth-depressing factors such as tannins, trypsin inhibitors and hemagglutinins present, particularly in faba bean and lentil.     

Responses of Seed Yield and Quality to Nitrogen Application Levels in Two Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Varieties Differing in Nitrogen Efficiency

Abstract

The relationship between nitrogen efficiency (NE), defined as seed yield per unit nitrogen (N) application, and seed quality was examined in two oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) varieties at 5 N application levels, 0.6, 3, 6, 12, 15 mmol L?¹, N₁, N₂, N₃, N₄ and N₅, respectively. Seed yield, oil yield and protein content were increased with the increase in N application level, but NE and oil content were decreased, and the fatty acid composition in seed was hardly changed. Analysis of seven fatty acids revealed aslight decrease in the contents of erucic acid and arachidonic acid with the increase in N application level, but no obvious change in the contents of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Compared with the low NE variety H29, the seed yield and contents of erucic acid and arachidonic acid in the high NE variety bin270 were more markedly increased with the increase in N application level, and the oil content was hardly changed. The seed yield, oilcontent and oil yield were higher in the high NE variety than in the low NE variety at all 5 N application levels. There were no significant differences in protein, palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid contents between the varieties at any of the 5 N application levels, but there were slight differences in the linoleic acid and linolenic acid contents between the two varieties. In brief, N application improved oil yield more greatly in the high NE variety than in the low NE variety, but hardly affected the fatty acid composition. Therefore, the seed quality and oil content of oilseed rape may not be decreased by breeding of a high NE variety with a high N absorption efficiency and high N use efficiency.     

Effect of heat processing on in vitro protein digestibility and some chemical properties of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seeds

The effects of dry heat (roasting) and moist heat (boiling) on in vitro protein digestibility, protein fractions and other chemical properties of African breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne) seed that affect their utilization as a source of human food were investigated. Chemical analyses showed that the crude protein and fat contents of the unprocessed (raw) seeds were 20.1% and 13.7%, respectively. The level of phytic acid in the raw seed (1.19 mg/g) was lower than the levels found in some commonly consumed pulses in Nigeria. Albumin and globulin protein fractions were found to be the major seed proteins of African breadfruit seed, constituting 67.8% of the total protein of the raw seed. There were no significant (p<0.05) differences between crude protein, ash and fat contents of the raw and heat processed samples. Boiling proved more effective than roasting for improving protein digestibility and for reducing the levels of trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid and polyphenols of the samples. The complete removal of these antinutrients, however, would require a more severe heat treatment of the seed, which in turn would profoundly reduce the nutritional value and availability of proteins, as demonstrated by the low values obtained for in vitro protein digestibility, protein fractions and protein extractability.     

The effects of lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from various substrates on the fermentation quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in Tibet

Eight lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from five naturally fermented silages of different ensilage materials on the Tibetan Plateau were characterized, and their effects on the silage quality of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) were studied. These LAB isolates were evaluated using morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The eight isolated strains and one commercial inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum MTD‐1) were subsequently added to common vetch for ensiling 60 days. All the isolated strains (LW4, M1, WG27, O30, I2, LCG3, LCG9, CG35) could grow normally at 5–20°C, pH 3.5–6.0 and NaCl (3.0%, 6.5%), and they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus by sequencing 16S rDNA. All the LAB inoculants improved the silage quality of common vetch, indicated by significantly (p < .05) higher lactic acid (LA) contents and ratios of lactic acid to acetic acid (LA/AA), and significantly (p < .05) lower pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃–N) contents. Strain LCG3 performed best among all LAB inoculants, indicated by the highest (p < .05) LA content and ratio of LA/AA, and the lowest (p < .05) pH and NH₃–N content. Strain LCG3 is recommended as starter culture for common vetch silage.     

Chemical analysis and nutritional assessment of Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng. (Fabaceae)

Seeds of Teramnus labialis (L.) Spreng.(Fabaceae), used as food by Malayali tribals in theKollihills of Salem District, Tamil Nadu in SouthIndia, were investigated for their nutritional value. These seeds were analyzed for proximate composition,total (true) seed proteins, seed proteinfractions, amino acid composition, fatty acidcomposition, minerals and antinutritional factors. Crude protein, crude fat, ash, and nitrogen freeextracts constituted 22.86%, 6.10%, 4.62%, and,58.15%, respectively, of the seed weight. The caloricvalue of 100 g dry matter of seed material was 378.94kcal. The essential amino acids lysine, leucine +isoleucine, arginine, valine and histidine werepresent in relatively large quantities. Theunsaturated fatty acids constituted more than 60% ofthe crude fat. Concentrations of minerals such aspotassium, magnesium, calcium, and, phosphorus werehigh. Antinutritional factors such as total freephenols, tannins, L-DOPA, hydrogen cyanide andphytic acid were present in minute quantities. Theseantinutritional factors are potentially eliminated using the conventional method of soaking the seeds in water,boiling with water and decanting prior to consumption.     

Fructan,sucrose and related enzyme activities are preserved in timothy (Phleum pratense L.) during wilting

Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) is an important forage grass used for pasture, hay and silage in regions with cool and humid growth seasons. Harvesting conditions could reduce its nutritive value, particularly with extended wilting periods. To understand how daytime or night‐time wilting influences the nutritive value of timothy, this study investigated the metabolism of non‐structural carbohydrates, including fructan and starch, together with total soluble protein and amino acid patterns in timothy plants harvested at two maturity stages (heading and anthesis) and wilted under controlled conditions for 24 h at two temperatures (15°C, 20°C) and two light regimes (darkness, light) by simulating different wilting management practices. Correlation analysis with the whole dataset showed that soluble protein, glucose and starch contents declined in plant tissues concomitantly with water loss, while amino acid, sucrose and fructose contents increased. Transient increase in amino acid content suggests that the decrease in protein content was due to proteolysis during wilting. Sucrose and fructose contents generally increased in plant tissues harvested at anthesis and wilted in light whereas they were unaffected in plants wilted in darkness. Fructan content remained stable. Fructan exohydrolase (FEH) and soluble acid invertase (INV) activities were well preserved during the first 12 h of wilting and might facilitate the fermentation process at the beginning of ensiling by supplying fructose from fructans and hexoses from sucrose to the fermentive bacteria.     

Water deficit effects on caraway (Carum carvi L.) growth, essential oil and fatty acid composition

The Mediterranean region suffers of drought which affects plant behaviour regarding biochemical responses. Accordingly, the effects of water deficit on growth, essential oil and fatty acid composition of caraway (Carum carvi L.) seeds were investigated. Plants were treated with different levels of water deficit: control, moderate water deficit and severe water deficit. Plant growth (height, fresh and dry matter weight) was significantly reduced by severe water deficit. This last caused also important reductions of the seed yield and yield components. Drought decreased significantly seed total fatty acid contents and particularly the petroselinic ones whose proportions decreased significantly by 12.17 and 18.47%, in comparison with the control, under moderate water deficit and severe water deficit, respectively. Besides, moderate water deficit increased the essential oil yield (expressed as g/100 g on the basis of dry matter weight). The main essential oil constituents were carvone and limonene which showed an increasing of their contents under water deficit levels. Thus, water deficit induced a significant reduction in growth parameters and fatty acid content, and an increase in the essential oil compounds. These bioactive compounds have been required in many industrial products.     

Hydraulic Resistance of Sorghum (C4) and Sunflower (C3)

Summary

It is well known that C4 crops have a lower water requirement than C3 crops. Reasons for the difference are not well understood. Therefore, hydraulic resistance of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] (C4) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) (C3) was determined to see if it might be one explanation for the lower water use of crops with the C4 photosynthetic pathway. Plants were grown under greenhouse conditions in pots with soil, which was well watered (soil matric potential of ～0 MPa) or allowed to dry (soil matric potential of ?0.038 MPa and ?0.065 MPa for sorghum and sunflower, respectively). Hydraulic resistance was calculated in two ways: (1) using the classic Ohm's law analogue, which assumes that the relation between flux (transpiration) and difference in water potentials of the soil and plant is linear and (2) using an equation that considers diurnal changes in leaf water content along with transpiration and difference in water potentials. Because change in leaf-water content during a day was small, hydraulic resistances calculated by the two methods resulted in similar values. Sorghum had a linear relationship between flux and difference in potentials (constant hydraulic resistance), but sunflower had a nonlinear one (variable hydraulic resistance). The hydraulic resistance of watered sunflower increased only slightly during a day and averaged about 40 MPa m² s mol^?1, which was 3.5 times less than that of watered or water-stressed sorghum (-140 MPa m² s mol^?1). The hydraulic resistance of water-stressed sunflower increased steeply during a day and by the end of the day it had a hydraulic resistance that approached that of sorghum.     

Fermentation of pearl millet flour with yeasts and lactobacilli:in vitro digestibility and utilisation of fermented flour for weaning mixtures

Single as well as mixed culture fermentations by yeasts (S. diastaticus;S. cerevistiae) and lactobacilli (L. brevis;L. fermentum) at 30 °C for 72 h improved the starch and protein digestibility (in vitro) of pearl millet flour significantly. The flour fermented bySaccharomyces diastaticus, a starch hydrolysing yeast, had the highest starch digestibility whereas fermentation bySaccharomyces cerevisiae enhanced the in vitro protein digestibility of the flour significantly. Weaning mixtures prepared from the fermented flour were also found to be organoleptically acceptable.